In Jesus' birthplace, Christmas observances somber this year

BETHLEHEM, West Bank - A white stone monument rises from MangerSquare, dedicated to a 17-year-old Palestinian killed on the spot byIsraeli weapons fire.

Mile-long Nativity Street is lined with a gutted five-storyhotel, piles of rubble from shops knocked down by bulldozers andbuildings with bullet-pocked facades. They're all reminders ofIsrael's 10-day occupation of the biblical town in October.

Times are hard in Jesus' birthplace, like everywhere in the WestBank

Few in Bethlehem, a town of 14,000 Muslims and 13,000 Christians,are in the mood for lavish celebrations.

During the Christmas season, the town will remain dark, withoutcolorful chains of lights …