‘Midnight Mass in Bethlehem was incredibly moving’

Carolyn Pearson, 53, from Leeds, discovered new hope and inner calm on a memorable Christmas trip.

‘Twinkling lights lined the streets of Bethlehem as my friend Joana and I made our way to the Church of the Nativity for Midnight Mass. In the square, a giant tree was lit up in green and gold. The atmosphere was magical and I knew right then that

I’d remember it for ever.

The year before, it had all been so different. I’d been sharing Christmas with my husband and his mother. Yet, as we’d sat eating turkey and chatting, he and I had been hiding a secret – that our marriage was over. After 19 years together, we’d decided to separate. Not wanting to ruin Christmas, we’d kept it quiet from family. As a result, our day was underpinned with an unspoken strain.

We finally announced it the following spring, and I started to adjust to life on my own. But as the next Christmas approached, I wondered what I could do. I hated the idea of sitting at home alone, and then I remembered my friend Joana had mentioned I should visit her. She lived in Jerusalem. Without a second thought, I booked the flights.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

I flew to Tel Aviv on 22 December. On Christmas Eve, I made that trip to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In a place of great unrest, that night, there was peace. The square outside was full of people, gathered to share in the celebrations. The Midnight Mass service was incredibly moving and if ever I could feel the spirit of Christmas, it was then.

So, as this Christmas approaches,

I’ll remember that special time. Life has moved on, and a few months ago, I met a lovely man called Sandy. We’re looking forward to spending some time together over the festive season. But I will never forget my visit with Joana. Discovering new places is the thing that makes me happiest in life, and this year when I hear the carol O Little Town of Bethlehem,

I will think of those special memories.’