Christmas is the one time of year when the West Bank 's small , shrinking Christian communities show everyone else that they are still there . Hundreds of Christians pack Church of the Nativity Thursday for midnight Mass . The church is located in Bethlehem, a city that has been under Israeli control since 1967. Large crowds gathered outside the church -- one of Christianity 's most sacred places .
Hundreds of Christians pack Church of the Nativity Thursday for midnight Mass . The church is located in Bethlehem, a city that has been under Israeli control since 1967. Large crowds gathered outside the church -- one of Christianity 's most sacred places .