Teachings of Jesus more relevant today: Khan
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 25: Christmas was celebrated with great charm and enthusiasm across the Jammu region today.
On the occasion all the churches were fully decorated and there was heavy rush of members of Christian community to the churches across the region to participate in the celebrations.
The people paid special prayers on the occasion and prayed for peace and prosperity of mankind across the globe.
The members of Christian community where dressed in colourful costumes and their Hindu, Muslim and Sikh brethren were seen greeting and extending Merry Christmas to them.
The members of the Christian community were also seen distributing the sweets and fruits among their friends in other communities on the occasion.
The children attired in colourful costumes had become Santa Claus on the occasion and they gave Christmas gifts to people.
The scholars, bishops and priests threw light on the life history of Jesus Christ on the occasion whom they called the messenger of peace on this world. They said Christianity preaches peace and brotherhood among human beings across the world and it stood for truth.
While recalling the sacrifice of Jesus Christ they said he stood on the path of truth by fighting the evils and alter came as triumphant.
Functions were held in all churches of Jammu and outskirts also. The biggest congregation was held at St. Mary’s Garrison Church, Gandhi Nagar, St. Paul’s Church Wazarat Road, Churches at Bakshi Nagar and Ambphalla, Akhnoor, Muthi etc.
At St. Mary’s Garrison Church Gandhi Nagar Advisor to Lt. Governor, Farooq Khan was the chief guest.
He in his address reiterated that the teachings of Jesus Christ are more relevant in present turbulent world.
On the occasion, the Advisor extended his wishes to the people and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of J&K and the nation. He said Christmas is a festival of life and celebrates the oneness of humanity irrespective of religion.
The Advisor also met Bishop Ivan Pereira and other functionaries of the Church and conveyed the Christmas greetings of Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of J&K, GC Murmu to them.
During the interaction, the Advisor said that Jesus Christ came for the whole humanity and his teachings have remained relevant for all the years and more appropriate in present troubling times.
The Advisor also toured the Church and witnessed Christmas celebrations and interacted with the people there including children.
The Church functionaries appreciated and thanked the Advisor for his visit.
Later in the evening, Advisor Khan also attended the Christmas celebration at St Paul Church, Wazarat Road.
On the occasion, the Advisor extended greetings to the Christian Community and also interacted with the Church functionaries.
NC provincial president, Devender Rana also visited St Mary’s Garrison Church, Gandhi Nagar this morning. While interacting with people there he said festivals form core of the great Indian ethos and inspire all to celebrate these festivals in true spirit of its pluralistic character by sharing joys and festivals with each other.
He also prayed for peace, harmony and universal brotherhood. He greeted people in general and Christian brethren in particular on this auspicious occasion.
He said these occasions also provide an opportunity to reaffirm our unflinching commitment to secularism that has withstood test of times immemorial. This is needed to be sustained and promoted in a big way, he added.
Christmas was also celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety in Kathua town today. The main function was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Kathua. On the occasion large number of people visited the Church and offered special prayers before Jesus Christ and Mother Mary on the birthday of Jesus.
In connection with the Christmas celebrations, a colourful procession was taken out this evening in Reasi town. Spreading the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood, hundreds of people belonging to Christian community participated in the rally. The procession that began from Christian Mohalla passed through Old Bazar, Main Bazar, Bus Stand, Nai Basti and then culminated at Reasi Church. Santa Claus and angels were special attractions in the procession. The community prayed for the well-being of the citizens of India as well as J&K and also offered special prayers for peace and harmony in the State.
National Panthers Party celebrated Christmas at its Headquarters in Jammu. NPP Supremo Prof Bhim Singh with several friends and party colleagues congratulated the Christian friends at Gandhi Nagar Church and wished Christmas greetings to all. In a message to new generation of the world, Bhim Singh said that peace is the only way out to live, grow and let live for the world peace. Christ life is a message itself who sacrificed self for the good of others, he added.
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