New Delhi, Dec 25: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas, underscoring the festival’s timeless messages of love, compassion, peace, and unity.
President Murmu, through a post on social media platform ‘X’, conveyed her warm wishes, stating, “MERRY CHRISTMAS. On this auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially brothers and sisters of the Christian community.” She further emphasized the significance of Christmas as a time of joy and enthusiasm, reminding everyone of the sacrifice made by Lord Jesus Christ for humanity's welfare.
“Christmas inspires us to strengthen the values of peace, harmony, equality, and service in society,” she added. The President also urged people to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on kindness and mutual harmony, and working towards building a society based on these principles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his Christmas wishes on social media, conveying, “Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion, and hope. May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society.” The Prime Minister’s message echoed the theme of unity and the transformative power of compassion during the holiday season.
Christmas, celebrated worldwide on December 25, holds deep significance as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, symbolizing themes of hope, peace, forgiveness, and love. While it is primarily a Christian religious festival, Christmas has evolved into a global celebration embraced by people from all walks of life. It inspires acts of kindness, generosity, and community spirit, creating a sense of togetherness that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
The festival blends Christian beliefs with ancient winter traditions. Although the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus’ birth, early Christians chose December 25 to coincide with existing winter solstice celebrations like the Roman Saturnalia, which included feasting, gift-giving, and joyous gatherings. Over the centuries, Christmas has been recognized as a major Christian holiday and has incorporated various local customs, such as decorating evergreen trees, exchanging gifts, singing carols, and celebrating with family.
Today, Christmas is celebrated not only as a religious occasion but also as a cultural festival that promotes values of love, peace, generosity, and togetherness worldwide.
