In a country of unrest and fear, Bethlehem has become a town of danger, borders and checkpoints. A huge concrete wall separates the people of Bethlehem from Israeli citizens. People’s lives are filled with hurt, despair and hopelessness.

Christmas for children in Bethlehem remains a time of limitation as celebration is prohibited. The Palestinian Bible Society (PBS) however is reaching out to these children with a message of hope and love, to help them be children, laugh and experience the joy of Christmas. With a Bible-based programme of fun days, trips, conferences and puppet shows, PBS is encouraging children and helping them to understand the hope they can have in Christ.

When children attend any of the PBS programmes, they receive a gift suited to their age. The gift is always accompanied by a portion of Scripture or a Bible. It is important that children don’t just experience the love of God at these events but that through the Scripture gifts, they will go on to experience encouragement and blessing from God’s Word every day.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (NIV) John 1:14

We celebrate Christmas in many ways, openly and without fear. We have seen the glory of God in our lives; but for many children in Palestine, this Christmas will signify another year of hurt, danger and fear. If you are touched by what these children are going through please share with them the hope that they can find in Jesus.