The Greeks made them famous. The Russians knew them too. But for three centuries Arab artists matched them all.

In Beirut, as in New York, Christmas is serious business. Beirut, moreover, has two Christmases and some years has the Muslim equivalent as well.

There is little snow in Bethlehem, no sleigh bells, no quaint New England churches, no turkeys and no plum pudding. But here, in a timeless Arab land, is where it all began.

In many ways it's a lot like Christmas in Southern California, but we doubt that even in way-out California do they have live camels in their Christmas pageants.

Everyone has read the memorable and touching story of Christmas according to Saint Luke. Not many have read—or even heard of—the story of Christmas according to the Koran.

He killed a dragon in Beirut. He works miracles in Egypt. He is revered in Portugal and for centuries was the patron saint of England.