AP PHOTOS: Christmas celebrated near and far

By The Associated Press, Associated Press

Dec 25, 2013 4:56 AM CST

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AP PHOTOS: Christmas celebrated near and far — Palestinian nun Rosaria prepares a Nativity scene at the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Church of Visitation, also known as St. Mary's Visitation Church, in preparation for Christmas in the northern West Bank village of Zababdeh near Jenin, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas) (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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