_____________________________________________________________

JOY TO THE WORLD
THE LORD IS COME
LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!

—

BBC

24 December 2013 Last updated at 23:20 GMT

In pictures: Christmas around the world

Large crowds gathered in Manger Square, near the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. The church is built on the site many believe was the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Next image |

Previous image |

|

Click on link to view the photos!

1. In pictures: Christmas around the world

   BBC News ‎- 5 hours ago

   Images of Christmas celebrations around the world on 25 December 2013.

—

History

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

Christmas — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts

——————————————————————————————-