The Christmas spirit is alive in Baghdad with the children
of St. Rafael's Church putting on a great Christmas pagent. Dressed up
as shepards, sheep, cows and donkeys they sang carols and acted out
the Christmas story.

After Mass Santa Claus showed up ringing a bell and handing out
presents--the kids went crazy! It's a good thing Saint Nick and his
reindeer made it through the no-fly-zone.

For worshipers at St. Rafael's, the joy of the Chrismas season is
mixed with fear and uncertainty under the looming threat of US bombing.
"It's frightening to think that some of my congregants could be
killed," said Father Vincent, the resident priest.

Iraq's 1 million Christians (4% of the population) freely worship at
churches throughout the country. Church spires rise from the Baghdad
skyline among the minarets of the many beautiful Mosques."A US
attack could disrupt the balence of respect and tolerance between religions
here. It could be very dangerous for Iraqi Christians."

Ask anyone on the streets of Baghdad, Christian or Muslim, about the
prospects of war and they almost invariably answer, "May God help
us." Like the Christmas of 1991, everyone in Baghdad is praying
for peace on this holy day.