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Christmas messages
View(s):President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe along with Christian religious leaders released Christmas messages of love and peace.
President’s wishes for a wonderful Christmas
President Maithripala Sirisena extended his greetings for a wonderful Christmas to all Christians who nourish the teachings of universal love, peace, happiness and kindness.
“Christmas, which is celebrated by all the Christians around the world as a universal festival, embodies loving kindness. Jesus Christ, who could reduce power crazy kings such as Herod to a mere mention in history was a great messenger of reconciliation and social righteousness to the world. This makes Jesus Christ an eternal saviour to people around the world,” the President said in his message.
PM wishes peace and harmony
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message said that Christmas was a time to aspire to create an environment in which everyone can love one another in harmony, tolerance and co-existence that was and is central to the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
“Let us embrace the spirit and fellowship renewed through the birth of Jesus Christ as a theme that will truly inspire all of us, to reflect on the messages of peace and love he brought to the world,” he said.
Catholic Bishop’s Conference celebrates life at Christmas
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) in its message said that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem which is God loving entry into human history. In this mystery of the Incarnation God revealed to us the depths of his abounding love for humankind, the message said adding it is an occasion to understand more deeply the real value of life and to witness to this fullness in the society we live.
“As we meditate on the sacredness and value of life during Christmas we are called to condemn all that is detrimental to the promotion of life such as abortion and other forms of killing and destruction. Our minds and thoughts are directed also to our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith especially in some countries in the Middle East region,” the Catholic Bishop’s Conference said.
“While we engage in various forms of charitable activities during Christmas we also have a duty to be more sensitive to human needs and sufferings prevailing in our society. We need to be sensitive to the environment as well, specially during Christmas. This should be done by avoiding the wastage of food, cutting down trees and large amounts of electricity usage for exaggerated decorations,” it said.
The message is signed by President of the CBCSL His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and its Secretary General, Bishop D. Valence Mendis. Bishop’s wishes for peace and goodwill
Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj R. Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo in his message said that as another Christmas dawns, people are reminded of the proclamation of the angels; ‘peace and goodwill’ to a world in conflict, racked by violence and turmoil, full of uncertainty and fear.
“The message of true peace is so vital for us, for our country and for our world. It does not come about merely by mouthing the words ‘peace and goodwill’ or even by prayer and good intentions alone. It begins when we are prepared to have our lives renewed by this Babe of Bethlehem,” the Bishop said.
John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs said that the intention of the true Christian is to celebrate Christmas by highlighting the great humanity with the love and kindness of Jesus.” Christmas encourages us to make our lives as a loving citizen achieving the true spirit of Christianity by preventing vicious thoughts.”
Sampanthan remembers the needy
R. Sampanthan, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Tamil National Alliance said in his message that throughout his life, Jesus Christ exemplified a love for people and a special concern for those who were shunned by society.”
In keeping with his example, Jesus also called people to live a life marked by love, righteousness, and concern for those oppressed. As we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who are living in difficult circumstances in our country. My humble request, therefore, is that we would embrace those who are marginalised and lift up those who are downtrodden during this time of celebration,” Mr.Sampanthan said.
He also urged all communities in Sri Lanka, in the true spirit of Christmas, to unite and work towards peace and reconciliation in the country.