As evening falls, the atmosphere in Nativity Square significantly changes ... and the joyful noise of the day gives way to more intimacy and a feeling of cosiness. It is nighttime in Bethlehem. In the Basilica that now is closed, the Franciscans are preparing the grotto at the altar of the manger. Intense moments for those who have been living next door to this place for years or for those who, before the solemn celebrations on this special night can stop here for a moment of silent prayer ... Outside, the square slowly comes to life ... many faithful are lining up to go to Midnight Mass at Saint Catherine’s Basilica. 1500 tickets issued were issued. Everything is so nice and exciting that we are speechless... This is Jesus’ place, the place for which we hope for peace because I have seen so much suffering and hope that this is a small step more toward peace. This is the first time I'm in Bethlehem on Christmas Day: I came on purpose .. I tried to kill two birds with one stone. It is an exciting time to be in the same place where Jesus was born on the day it happened ... it is a strange feeling .. I cannot explain it .. I do not know what will happen at midnight ... maybe it’ll be even more emotional... No I cannot believe it ... it's a dream come true... I'm very very happy ... Christ came here .. and because he was born here, he must give us peace here And the high point of the evening in Bethlehem is the Midnight Mass that begins immediately after the Office of Readings with the solemn singing of the Glory to God in the highest hymn. Presided over by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem H. B. Foaud Twal, the mass is concelebrated by dozens of priests. In a church packed with people, there are mainly pilgrims from every part of the world, and the Latin Patriarch 's homily represented a special call... Remembering all of the tragedies of humanity including the “difficult situations in Egypt and Iraq, and the Syrian tragedy,” Monsignor Twal defines a long night of conflicts, wars, destruction, fear, hatred, racism that the world and the Middle East are drenched in. “O Child of Bethlehem, we are tired,” he said in a heartfelt way. “But we must never give into despair--he continues--because Jesus the savior announces to us that peace is possible, that the flame of hope, justice, peace and reconciliation will remain lit. The message of salvation left from Bethlehem, and we must look to Bethlehem. Still hoping in the “peace of Christ” that is universal and based on justice.” “Our land is holy - he continues - and as such we must have a loyal response because our stay on this earth is a divine vocation, a blessing, a privilege. Finally, an appeal to "the bishops and the religious of Syria who were kidnapped. On this night, we pray for their return and that their dignity be returned to them. Remember them, O Lord, and all the refugees.” Meanwhile, at the same time, another more intimate mass was celebrated in the Grotto near the altar of the Manger... ...was attended by the Roman Catholic faithful of the parish of Bethlehem and presided by their pastor Abuna Nerwan Nasser. Toward one o’clock, the solemn celebration ends at Saint Catherine’s. The Patriarch goes into the cave with the Child to put it in the place where the birth of the Son of God happened. “Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary," says the inscription on the silver star. And all through the night, holy masses will be celebrated here in an uninterrupted and moving succession of songs, prayer and emotion ... This is the place of Christmas.