“ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and land him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”. ( Lk 2, 1-8) Biblical narration proclaimed in all languages ​​on this holy night. And here in the city of the birth of Jesus the night is illuminated by the lights of the city and by the numerous presence of the local population and pilgrims on the Manger Square. Place where Christian and Muslim families meet to see the Nativity scene A few meters from the Square, the Grotto of the Nativity, which, after a long day of visits, is prepared for the Holy night. Every year the Palestinian authority, with the president Abu Mazen, the ambassadors, and the pilgrims are amongst the people present at the church of Saint Catherine during the midnight Mass together with the local Christians. And it is before them that the apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Bishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa holds his homily. “Born Jesus in Bethlehem ": it is not only a historical-geographical indication, but a divine choice. Being born here, in a specific place, in a city on this earth is what God has always wanted, because He loves the cities of men. If the Bible begins in a garden, then it ends in a city, the holy Jerusalem. Our God is a God of the city, who lives in cities, because he is a God with men, Immanuel. We ask the Child of Bethlehem and his parents for help to continue being, like them, a presence of peace in this land. Because our cities without Christians will be poorer and our Christians without their cities risk losing their way. We ask His Word and our prayer to be heard in the hearts of those who hold political and social authority. We no longer want to cry for rejection, for extreme poverty, for the many sufferings that afflict our people. We wish that, thanks to the good will of all, God could continue to live in our cities. After the solemn celebration of the Holy Mass, Bishop Pizzaballa, following the ancient tradition, brings the child to the Grotto where he was born. A gesture, memory of the history of our redemption. Read More