Sacred Candle Photos Around the World

Dec. 11 - 17

An Israeli boy celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, gazes at candles in a menorah made from pieces of mortar shells fired by Palestinians in the Jewish settlement of Neve Dekalim in the Gaza Strip, Dec. 14. (Ariel Schalit, AP).

Dec. 18 - 24

A Palestinian Christian girl wearing a Santa Claus outfit lights candles at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 24. The Church is the site traditionally believed by most Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. (Kevin Frayer, AP).

Nov. 27 - Dec. 3

Volunteers set up 6,000 candles in the shape of an AIDS ribbon as part of a demonstration entitled "Africa needs medicine now" at the parliament square in Bern, Switzerland, Dec. 1. The Swiss AIDS Foundation organized the event to show their support of HIV and AIDS patients. (Marcus Gyger, Reuters).