Millions of Christians mark Jesus Christ's birth

Millions of Christians around the world celebrated Jesus Christ's birth Tuesday. In the West Bank town of Bethlehem, the Biblical site of Jesus' birth, thousands gathered to celebrate midnight Mass, reports ReligionAndSpirituality.com.

In Rome, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated a special Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Those who could not fit inside the church watched on giant video screens in the square, BBC News online reported Tuesday.

A new floodlit Nativity scene was unveiled in front of the Basilica. The larger-than-life statues of the Holy Family were set not in the traditional Bethlehem stable, but in Joseph's house in Nazareth. Vatican officials said the change illustrates that Jesus was born everywhere, not just in Bethlehem.

On Tuesday noon the Pope will deliver his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message from a balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square.

In Bethlehem relative stability encouraged tourists and pilgrims to visit in larger numbers. "This year is much better than the last seven years for tourism," local shopkeeper Jacques Aman told Associated Press. "There is relative calm, from the security standpoint."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a Muslim, joined the midnight Mass in Bethlehem. "We pray next year will be the year of independence for the Palestinian people," he said.

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[01/03/2008]

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