In the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, Christians gather for Christmas Mass.<br/> <br />They prayed for peace and the return of stability after a decade of violence in their country.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CHRISTIAN CITIZEN, ESSAM ISTEFAN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I wish on Christmas Day happiness for Christians in Iraq and around the world, and I wish that the Iraqi people can overcome these difficult times, and I hope for the return of happiness and peace in the country."<br/> <br />In the capitol Baghdad, the same prayer...peace in a nation stained with sectarian violence.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CHRISTIAN CITIZEN, HADEEL, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I hope that this Christmas will be a time for peace, for the Muslims and Christians alike. I wish for a better situation for Iraq."<br/> <br />But peace would not come to Iraq this Christmas Day.<br/> <br />Bomb attacks across Christian areas of Baghdad left at least 34 people dead and more than 50 others injured.<br/> <br />In one attack, a car bomb near a church ki
