Christmas Lutheran Church stands as a testament to the enduring Lutheran presence in Palestine, spanning both historical and contemporary times. Founded in 1854, it holds the distinction of being the first Lutheran Church established in Palestine. The sanctuary, where we gather for weekly worship, was meticulously constructed between 1886 and 1893 and has been a steadfast space for continuous worship services ever since. This sacred place not only embodies the rich history of the Lutheran faith in the region but also serves as a symbol of unwavering commitment to spiritual fellowship and devotion.
As worshippers visit the sanctuary and admire the stained-glass windows, many may not realize the remarkable fortune of witnessing them in their complete and undamaged state. Crafted by the Emperor Stained Glass Factory in Germany, these windows represent the sole surviving examples of this particular style produced by the factory.
The preservation of these windows becomes even more astonishing when considering the church’s history of significant damage, both in 1967 and 2002. In 1967, a bomb damaged the roof and ceiling of the sanctuary. Then, in 2002, during intense Israeli shooting and bombing, the church endured further destruction. While under curfew, the people of Bethlehem could hear the sound of shattering glass throughout the area. Rev. Raheb, the former pastor residing with his family on the church compound, feared for the stained-glass windows. However, due to the strict curfew, no one could venture out to inspect the sanctuary for several days.
When Rev. Raheb finally gained access to the church, he was amazed and grateful to find that all the windows had survived unbroken and mostly intact. Only a minor hole in the red robe of a figure in the left chapel windows serves as a subtle reminder of the tumultuous events of 2002. This small imperfection, scarcely noticeable, stands as a testament to the resilience of the stained-glass artistry amidst the chaos and damaging attacks of that period.