In part one of a two part series, Paul Calvert spoke to Salim Munayer about what it's like to live in this historic Biblical town.

Salim Munayer

Salim Munayer is the Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College and he spoke with me about how Christmas will be in Bethlehem.

"For the past few years Christmas hasn't been celebrated the way it used to be. It's mainly familes coming together, Church services and meetings for the local Christians; trying to help the people who have been affected economically over the last few years as the situation has deteriorated with people feeling a sense of hopelessness. Last year people were really not looking forward to Christmas, Christmas isn't what it used to be, but despite that the Christian organisations and churches are trying to bring the message of the nativity to the local people to impart in them hope and encouragement and to look to Him.

"During the time of Jesus' birth we have two stories; one of Herod chasing and killing the children with the story of Mary giving birth and running away to Egypt; but at the same time we have the angels declaring that we should not be afraid, so which story will the people in Bethlehem cling to and find their hope in?

"The situation today is still very difficult for the residents of Bethlehem. The wall is coming around the city and Palestinians aren't allowed to travel to Jerusalem to work, which affects the city economically. The people of Bethlehem feel like they are living in a big prison, so it's not good; there is a need for prayer!

"The hope of the Christian in Bethlehem is that the situation will change, over the years the situation has deteriorated and not got better. Living in Bethlehem is very difficult, we have high unemployment, 60%. People who work in Government offices haven't received their salaries. The ability to function as a society has become increasingly difficult.

"Life is very difficult and many people are thinking of leaving Bethlehem for a better life in the west. But at the same time, positively, we have people getting saved, people coming to the churches. There is spiritual growth and revival amongst those who are left, so at the same time there are two pictures.

"I think everyone knows there is no hope in the political leaders, our only hope is in the Lord this Christmas. We also have to ask ourselves why we are here, what is our calling, why God wants us to be here in the Bethlehem area. The most important thing here is that the Palestinian Christian needs to redefine their calling and mission in this area. There is a calling, there is a mission, for specifically today and in our situation.

"The message is of course about the Prince of Peace, the message of reconciliation. The remnant of Christians still in the land are very important, this importance will come through redefining our called mission here at this time and what God requires of us.

"People around the world have a part to play in Bethlehem; they can pray for peace. The most important thing needed in this area is to pray that the political economical situation is changed; that the church will grow stronger and help to strengthen the Palestinian believers who have decided to stay in this area and that the body of Christ will see the importance of a Palestinian church in this area."