The second season of the liturgical year, also called the Feast of the Nativity. Christmas begins on December 25 and lasts through January 6, hence the "twelve days of Christmas". Celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the foretold Messiah and savior of the world. The faithful are expected to receive Holy Communion on Christmas Eve or Day or sometime during the twelve days of the season (if they receive communion in their tradition, of course). The color of this season is white symbolizing purity, happiness, and joy. Christmas is followed on the church calendar by Epiphany (see Webster 1913's definition #2).