Believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Mhm, the service usually attracts hundreds of a 10 days from across the world.

But the impact of covert 19 rules and restrictions meant a far smaller crowd than previous years.

Just 12 months ago, the Palestinian town in the West Bank was celebrating its busiest Christmas season for two decades, following a sharp increase in pilgrims and tourists after regional violence diminished.

But now hotels that we're adding new wings in 2019 is shotted, and Christmas festivities will be held online.

The newly appointed Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierre Batista Pizza Bhalla, who himself contracted the virus and has since recovered, lead this year's celebrations, delivering his Christmas message on Christmas Eve.