Away in a Manger

(Fox News) - There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Cybercast News reports that for the first time in years, hotels in the city where Christ was born were fully booked for the holiday. It is a sign that the local economy is making a comeback after years of fighting between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

More than a million tourists have visited the city this year and local authorities predict another 200,000 will make the trek over the last two weeks of the year. That is the most ever for the Palestinian-controlled town.

One government official says, "It shows that this city is not only an attractive city for pilgrims but... a secure city."