At the Church of the Nativity, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, is marking Christmas according to the Eastern Orthodox calendar.

This year, the event holds particular significance, as church leaders in the Holy Land have decided to scale back the celebrations.

In light of the ongoing and devastating war in Gaza, which continues to affect countless lives, this Christmas will be observed without the usual festive activities, focusing instead on religious rituals and prayers for peace.

The decision reflects the somber mood that has descended upon the region, where the conflict has overshadowed the traditional joy of the holiday season.

Church leaders have emphasized that the focus will be on spiritual reflection, unity, and hope, rather than on communal gatherings and celebrations. The streets of Bethlehem, typically filled with visitors and pilgrims, are quieter than in previous years, as the people of the Holy Land turn to their faith for solace during these trying times.

Al Jazeera.