AP PHOTOS: Christmas celebrated near and far
By The Associated Press, Associated Press
Dec 25, 2013 4:56 AM CST
A Syrian Orthodox Christian prays in front of the altar at the Saint Afram Syrian Orthodox Church during the midnight Christmas Mass in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. Hundreds of Syrian and Iraqi refugees along with Jordanian Christians attended the midnight Mass and pray for peace in their...   (Associated Press)

Around the world, the holidays are in full swing. There are Christmas lights in Hong Kong, midnight Mass in Bethlehem, and even Santa parades in South Korea.

Pope Francis ushered in his first Christmas as pontiff with a sermon drawing on the theme of humility as he cited Jesus' humble beginnings as a poor and vulnerable baby. Thousands gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to hear midnight Mass near the site of Jesus' birth.

Here's a gallery of images from Christmas celebrations around the world.

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