Lights, sounds and a thousand colors. The characteristic Christmas spirit reigns in the city where the Savior was born. The usual lighting of the Christmas Tree; the manger: Bethlehem is waiting for Christmas. An event that every year gathers hundreds of people from all over the world, in Manger Square. All together in a festive atmosphere. MICHELLE GUIGNON Pilgrim - France “We arrived yesterday and we were thrilled to be in the place where Jesus was born. We are glad and very excited to be with you here, in Bethlehem!” MAURICE GENTIALON Pilgrim - France “We are very happy to be here!” DIANA MAKHLOUF Christian woman - Jifna “We came to celebrate the lighting of the tree. Bethlehem is the place where Jesus Christ was born ...” Many were the civil and religious authorities present. But the number of Christians from around the country who did not want to miss this event was bigger. All united under the sign of peace and hope. ISAM ABDO Christian man - Nazareth “We are united in one joy and one blessing that embrace everyone. We hope it is a happy year.” TINA KRAYER Pilgrim - Kosovo "This is my first time celebrating the lighting of the tree. I think it is a special event. This is an important place for Christians, but I also wanted to see how different religions and cultures coexist together and celebrate." Thus began the countdown to the arrival of the Child Jesus in Bethlehem....Jesus "who is fragile, who, like all newborns, is not able to talk, and yet He is the Word that was made flesh and came to change the hearts and lives of men.” (Pope Francis) ELIAS KHOURY Christian man - Bethlehem “December is the month of the birth of Jesus Christ, the month of joy, the month of peace ... for the whole world.”