There were
three days for Christmas this year in Bethlehem. The Gregorian Calendar day was Dec. 25, the Julian on Jan. 6, and the Armenian Orthodox on Jan. 19 (although it's held Jan. 6 in Armenia itself). All this celebrating brings home a stirring message, according to writer Arpi Nakashian.
From the article:
On Jan. 6, it was the turn of the Assyrian, Copt and Greek Orthodox clergymen and their congregation to celebrate Christmas and the Holy Mass in the Church of the Nativity where Jesus's wooden crib was placed 2 millenniums ago.
The stable was heated by the breath of the animals at the time, yet nowadays the candles lit by the faithful keep the birthplace of Christ warm throughout the year. Thus it is silent night, holy night, every night.
