"Peace on Earth" should not be just a seasonal slogan, it should be a daily reality!

Years of corrupt and incompetent government by the Palestinian Authority, heavy-handed policing by the Israelis, violence and instability due to Hamas' on-going attempts to annihilate the state of Israel and the fallout from the American/Israeli war with Iran and her proxies have all had a devastating effect on the economy of towns like Hebron on the West Bank.

Streets are empty. Shops are closed and income streams have largely dried up. Hope and answers are in very short supply and, in the midst of it all, Palestinian families are trying to feed their children, educate them and keep a roof over their heads.

Family bonds are very tight in Palestinian communities and collaboration is strong but, without at least some money coming in, it is increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

Since 2020, Bethlehem Baubles (founded and run by the wonderful Ros Pollock) have been showcasing the peaceful fruits of collaboration between Muslims, Jews and Christians with their beautiful Peace Lights and Christmas Baubles. 

This collaboration has traditionally been their main selling point but, as economic conditions, in Hebron and elsewhere, continue to deteriorate, the income from the sales of Bethlehem Baubles is increasingly vital in keeping bread on the tables of the artisans who make them.

The peak sales period for peace lights and baubles is November and December but, at the time of writing, that is still 6 months away. So, this year (2026), we are asking customers not to wait 'til Christmas to buy Peace Lights but to invest in peace and hope now. Buyers are not just getting a beautiful ornament, they are offering a lifeline to craftspeople, and their families, that no one else is offering them. 

For people of faith, the lighting of candles has long held special significance. It is a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, a reminder of the connection between the material and the spiritual worlds and a metaphor for the lingering presence of our prayers in God's heart.

Surely, there has never been a more important time to pray for comfort for the bereaved, hope for the downtrodden, provision for the needy and defeat for the men of violence (whatever their ideology) who are causing so much pain and devastation.