It had been unclear whether Israel would grant permits to members of Gaza's tiny Christian community to leave the Hamas-ruled coastal territory.

The Rev. James Martin, S.J. leads listeners through a guided reflection on the meaning of Christmas: Christ's birth.

On a podium, a message reads: “What if this family sought refuge in our country today?”

"We want to help people feel the joy of Christmas," Sabine Bou Serhal, 22, a chief for the group, told Catholic News Service.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa said he wanted to bring some holiday cheer to Gaza's Christians because it remains unclear whether they will be able to travel to Bethlehem in the West Bank for the holiday.