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Christmastime in Bethlehem (14 images)

People gather to celebrate the Christmas season in the Church of Nativity in the biblical town of Bethlehem, West Bank on Tuesday. It is said this church was built around the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Photos by Debbie Hill/UPI



Russian tourists light candles in the Church of Nativity, where tradition believes Jesus was born. A church was first added to the site in AD 339, though it was mostly burned down in the sixth century. The structure that replaced it retains elaborate floor mosaics from the original building.
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A tourist touches the star in the grotto of the church. The property also includes Latin, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan and Armenian churches that feature bell towers, terraced gardens and a pilgrimage route.
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Palestinian Muslims take a selfie in front of the Christmas tree in Manger Square, outside the church.
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A woman prays in the grotto of the church, which may be the oldest Christian church in daily use.
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