SOJOURN TO BETHLEHEMCelebrate Christmas with the Palestinian Church
Christ at the Checkpoint is the flagship conference of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice at Bethlehem Bible College. The conference gathers Christians from around the world to dive deeply into questions of faith, peace, and justice with guidance and teaching from Palestinian Christians.
At a dark moment in history, it offers a biblically grounded and culturally rich space for honest engagement, faithful discipleship, and global solidarity rooted in Jesus and his teaching.
Dec 27th - 31st
Bethlehem, Palestine
We invite you to join us in person this year as a powerful act of presence and solidarity, bearing witness to shared faith and hope as we seek Christ at the checkpoint.
An incredible opportunity.
Stand with us. Celebrate with us.
Spend this Christmas with Palestinian Christians, families and churches.
This photo is from the early 1900s as pilgrims and local Christians gathered in Bethlehem for Christmas.
Highlights
Your TripThis schedule is subject to change as we finalize details, but we wanted to give you a sense of how our time together will unfold.
We will also be offering optional Christmas Day activities for those who arrive before Dec. 25th.
Day 1
Dec 26 — Saturday
Arrival to Bethlehem
Fly into Tel-Aviv Airport
or bus from Jordan
Use a scheduled Taxi or Bus to travel to Bethlehem Bible College.
STEP-BY-STEP travel directions coming soon.
Welcome dinner 7:00pm at Bethlehem Bible College.
Day 2
Dec 27 — Sunday
Sunday Worship
Attend a local church alongside Palestinian Christians.
Options include Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist.
Lunch around Bethlehem
Afternoon: Opening session
Dinner & evening drinks at 6pm
Day 3
Dec 28 — Monday
Attend a local Christian church alongside Palestinians.
Options include Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist.
Lunch around Bethlehem
Afternoon: Conference sessions
Dinner & evening drinks at 6pm
Day 4
Dec 29 — Tuesday
Monday: Attend a local Christian church alongside Palestinians.
Options include Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist.
Lunch around Bethlehem
Afternoon: Conference sessions
Dinner & evening drinks at 6pm
Day 5
Dec 30 — Wednesday
Arrival to Bethlehem
Fly into Tel-Aviv Airport
or bus from Jordan
Use a scheduled Taxi or Bus to travel to Bethlehem Bible College.
Welcome dinner 7:00pm at Bethlehem Bible College.
Day 6
Dec 31 — Thursday
Final day
Conference officially ends at 2pm.
New Years evening party starting at 7pm
Day 7
Jan 1 — Friday
Optional: tour the holy land day
No official activities will be planned but we invite you to spend 1-2 days touring the holy land.
Day 8
Jan 2 — Saturday
Optional: tour the holy land day
No official activities will be planned but we invite you to spend 1-2 days touring the holy land.
Frequently Asked Questions
More information and FAQs coming soon.
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CATC is a biennial Christian Evangelical conference, organized by Bethlehem Bible College, Palestinian Christians, and allies, now in its 15th year. The conference brings together Christians from around the world to discuss issues of faith, justice, and peace in the context of the Church’s role in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
CATC provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, and action, aiming to promote understanding and advocacy for justice and peace for all people in the Holy Land. CATC offers a rich and diverse program focused on themes of faith, justice, and human rights. Attendees can expect to engage in meaningful dialogue, hear from expert speakers and theologians, participate in workshops and discussions, and gain insights into Christian witness in contexts of oppression, both from Palestine and the Global South.
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We are currently working on finding a new venue for the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, and we’ll be assisting you with lodging at the same venue or at a nearby hotel. Stay tuned for updates. Also please note that all venue details and the option to apply for accommodations will be available directly through our website and registration page.
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Your safety and well-being are top priorities. While we cannot guarantee entry or absolute security, we strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all conference participants. Here’s what you need to know:
The Bethlehem Bible College campus and guest house are equipped with security measures to mitigate potential risks, providing a secure environment for attendees. Our guided tours during the conference are carefully curated and led by known and vetted companies, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants. The general areas around Bethlehem are inviting and welcoming; most visitors will discover our friendly people and unmatched hospitality.
However, roaming any foreign city at night or alone without proper knowledge can be a risk. It is advisable to stay in central areas, along taxi and bus routes, and not to travel solo after dark. The reality of living under military occupation is that nothing is certain and depends on the whim of the soldiers in charge on any given day. Daily life revolves around external control of movement, accessibility, and even safety. While we can offer general guidelines to avoid more predictable incursions or protests, nothing is entirely predictable, preventable, or within our control. We live here, with our families, loved ones, and friends, and invite you to come be with us in our homeland.
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We invite you to experience Bethlehem at Christmas; a truly magical moment to witness the land of Christ in His birthplace during the holiday season. We also offer the opportunity to engage with a global community of believers committed to pursuing peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. You will be able to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bethlehem, and visit historic churches and holy sites that hold deep spiritual significance for Christians around the world. You will also gain insights and resources to draw on our faith and Gospel of Christ and become effective advocates in your communities empowered by the knowledge and experiences gained at the conference. Most importantly, it is essential for Christians worldwide to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters who are directly affected by oppression and injustice. By demonstrating solidarity, we bear witness to the values of compassion, justice, and love exemplified by Christ Himself.
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We invite you to experience Bethlehem at Christmas; a truly magical moment to witness the land of Christ in His birthplace during the holiday season. We also offer the opportunity to engage with a global community of believers committed to pursuing peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. You will be able to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bethlehem, and visit historic churches and holy sites that hold deep spiritual significance for Christians around the world. You will also gain insights and resources to draw on our faith and Gospel of Christ and become effective advocates in your communities empowered by the knowledge and experiences gained at the conference. Most importantly, it is essential for Christians worldwide to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters who are directly affected by oppression and injustice. By demonstrating solidarity, we bear witness to the values of compassion, justice, and love exemplified by Christ Himself.
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We invite you to experience Bethlehem at Christmas; a truly magical moment to witness the land of Christ in His birthplace during the holiday season. We also offer the opportunity to engage with a global community of believers committed to pursuing peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. You will be able to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bethlehem, and visit historic churches and holy sites that hold deep spiritual significance for Christians around the world. You will also gain insights and resources to draw on our faith and Gospel of Christ and become effective advocates in your communities empowered by the knowledge and experiences gained at the conference. Most importantly, it is essential for Christians worldwide to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters who are directly affected by oppression and injustice. By demonstrating solidarity, we bear witness to the values of compassion, justice, and love exemplified by Christ Himself.