CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Love, understanding will strengthen peace, tolerance – President

Christians in Sri Lanka will today join fellow believers the world overin celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

They will share in the loving and giving that marks the spirit of Christmas, when families and communities come together to share in this great festival of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, who brought to the world the message of love to all that is the essence of the teaching of Christianity, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a Christmas message.

The message: “The teaching of love and understanding that brings the spirit of sharing, which marks the celebration of Christmas, can help in strengthening the bridges of peace, tolerance and reconciliation that are being built in our country.

“The birth of Jesus Christ in a stable in Bethlehem shows the world the importance of love extending to all, moving beyond all barriers, extending from the highest to the humblest in society, to all beings who share this earth with us, and to nature that sustains us all.

“The sound of Christmas bells ring out the message of peace, joy and goodwill to all today and in this festive season.

I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.”

Jesus’ teachings reflect eternal peace – PM

During this festive occasion when Christmas is celebrated, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, I send this message of felicitation with pleasure and reverence, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said in a Christmas message.

The message: “Jesus Christ treated all humans with equality, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. His teachings reflect eternal peace, co-existence and equality in an era where man was suffering due to their sins and selfishness and stepping towards their wane. Jesus Christ sent the message of peace to the people.

“Christmas, in my opinion, in which we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, should not be a showy festival.

According to St Lucas, the birth of Jesus Christ is sensational. Jesus Christ was born in a crib in isolation when the privileged were having fun, eating and drinking.

“The happy message of the birth of Jesus Christ was conveyed to the world by Angels.

“He blessed the needy with strength to stand on their own feet instead of bowing their heads.

Therefore, we should understand the real sense of Christmas we celebrate today, not taking it as an occasion to make merry.”