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'''Christmas''' is a [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]], literally Christ's mass. The mass is celebrated after sundown on the 24th of December by the Roman Catholic church and most Protestant denominations. The day is recognized on January 6th by some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) who combine the day with Ephiphany. Orthodox practice a Christmas Fast--lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).

'''Christmas''' is a [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]], literally Christ's mass. The mass is celebrated after sundown on the 24th of [[December]] by the [[Roman Catholic]] church and most [[Protestant]] denominations. The day is recognized on January 6th by some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) who combine the day with Ephiphany. Orthodox practice a Christmas Fast--lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).

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.  

In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a Christmas (i.e. pine) tree in their house, sing carols (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from God.

In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a Christmas (i.e. pine) tree in their house, sing carols (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from God.