This December, for the first time in three years, Bethlehem turned on its Christmas lights.

For the place in the world most associated with Christmas, the scene of the nativity itself, it was a highly symbolic act. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza – and in solidarity with fellow Palestinians in the strip – the West Bank town has had no tree at its centre, no street decorations, no markets and no festivals.

Pastor Munther Isaac talks about about the historic town’s ancient Christian community, its Christmas traditions and what it has meant to Bethlehem not to celebrate the last two Christmases.

He tells Helen Pidd about the decision to celebrate once more, since the ceasefire agreement in October, even as people in Gaza continue to be killed. ‘We rose as if from the midst of ashes to say: we’re still here,’ he says, ‘we’re resilient, and we as a people love life.’