Christmas is a hazardous time for Christians to rejoice the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in countless nations all over the world.

The outward targeting of Christians happened again on Christmas Day in Baghdad, Iraq where radicals murdered at least 37 people, predominately Christian Iraqis in two bomb assaults, BBC News reports.

One bomb detonated outside of the St. John's Catholic Church while parishioners were exiting a Christmas Day service, killing at least 26 people. Another explosive tore through an outside market in a Christian neighborhood, slaughtering at least 11 Iraqis. There were approximately 60 wounded in the two bomb attacks.

Pastor Tariq, an alias for security reasons, spoke to Open Doors recently and said that "churches are targets for terrorists, especially on Christmas Day. Many Christians stay home because they are too afraid."

"We received documents and threats stating that the aim of Islamist insurgents is to make Iraq a 'Muslim only' country. They want Christians out," said an Open Doors field worker in an previous report.

Open Doors USA CEO and President Dr. David Curry wishes Christians in Western nations pray ardently for all the Christians affected by the massacres.

"There is a concerted effort by extremists to drive Christians out of the Middle East," said Dr. Curry. "Iraq not only is a hostile, volatile environment in general, but often the violence is directed specifically towards Christians. As a result, one of our field workers said that if the exodus of Christians from Iraq continues at the current pace, it is possible there could be no Christians left in Iraq by 2020."

"Only the power of prayer is going to improve the conditions for believers in Iraq and countries such as Syria and Iran. Pray that the families of the victims will feel the embrace of Jesus. Pray that the government of Iraq will do more to protect people of all faiths. And pray that in 2014 Christians will be able to worship the Lord in peace and freedom."