In Wartime Bethlehem, Christmas Joy Hard To Find

A priest walks in the virtually empty Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem -- thousands would normally visit the church ahead of Christmas (Credit: AFP)

On Bethlehem's Manger Square, Christmas decorations and pilgrims are notably absent for a second wartime festive season in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city.

The Church of the Nativity that dominates the square is as empty as the plaza outside. Only the chants of Armenian monks echo from the crypt where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born.