In the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, Christians gather for Christmas Mass.

They prayed for peace and the return of stability after a decade of violence in their country.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CHRISTIAN CITIZEN, ESSAM ISTEFAN, SAYING:

"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."

In the capitol Baghdad, the same prayer...peace in a nation stained with sectarian violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CHRISTIAN CITIZEN, HADEEL, SAYING:

"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."

But peace would not come to Iraq this Christmas Day.

Bomb attacks across Christian areas of Baghdad left at least 34 people dead and more than 50 others injured.

In one attack, a car bomb near a church ki