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'''Christmas''' is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]]. Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25. The word "Christmas" comes from "Christ's [[mass]]," a name which was given to the holiday by the [[Roman Catholic]] church. The Catholic church and most [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations observe Christmas after sundown on the 24th of [[December]] or after sunrise on December 25th. Some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) practice it on January 6, combining the day with [[Epiphany]]. Orthodox practice a Christmas Fast lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).

'''Christmas''' is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]]. It is celebrated on December 25. The word "Christmas" comes from "Christ's [[mass]]." The Russian and Ukrainian churches also celebrate on December 25, but according to the Julian calendar. This corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar.

The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the [[Gospel of Luke]] and the [[Gospel of Matthew]]. Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the [[Archangel]] to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a [[manger]] are from Luke. The story of the Star of [[Bethlehem]] and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "[[gold]], and [[frankincense]] and [[myrrh]]" are from Matthew.  

The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the [[Gospel of Luke]] and the [[Gospel of Matthew]]. Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the [[Archangel]] to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a [[manger]] are from Luke. The story of the Star of [[Bethlehem]] and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "[[gold]], and [[frankincense]] and [[myrrh]]" are from Matthew.