Bethlehem artist Lina Sleibi, together with London musicians, have released a Christmas 2024 song of hope from the town where Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago. Like last year, no festive lights and fancy decorations will illuminate the night skies of the Holy Land this Christmas. In response to this, Lina Sleibi with Cherrie Anderson from Ooberfuse, insist that when all is said and done, only love lights up a pathway for the future.
Lina Sleibi says: "Being an artist in Bethlehem is certainly more challenging but at the same time more meaningful. There are so many different challenges to live, feel and share each day. But however challenging these might be, nothing will ever silence the voice of love that speaks even in the darkness. The very spot where Jesus was born is in my little town of Bethlehem. Without the nourishment of love this tiny acorn would not have grown into a tree with branches spreading throughout every continent."
As a partner in this project, John Handal, the Music Producer from Bethlehem and the owner of RJ Music company has played a crucial role in bringing this collaboration to life. His commitment to the project reflects a shared vision of using music as a beacon of hope and healing in the region.
John says: "It is sometimes easy to forget that the birthplace of Jesus 2,000 years ago is located in modern day Palestine - in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Without this event in history there would be no Christmas for families to celebrate. Each year we have put on a musical event in Manger Square in the shadow of the Church of the Nativity. Because we have been unable to do this in recent years, instead we have wanted to share with our brothers and sisters around the world the joy we feel at the birth of our Saviour through music. Last year we released Hear Angel's Cry."
Hal St John from Ooberfuse, said: "Early last year we visited Bethlehem as pilgrims. During our stay we met a local music producer John Handal and formed a deep friendship that is at the heart of this latest collaboration with Lina."
Cherrie Anderson said: "From Jesus' birthplace, in the vaults of the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, God's love was born into the world. Lina shows us that when this love is born into our hearts, it silences the noise and chaos around us and offers us a way out of our troubles."
