Spread message of peace, love

The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one’s heart, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a Christmas message.

The message: “I wish a happy Christmas to all Sri Lankans and citizens of the world who celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas.

“The purpose of celebrating Christmas is to enshrine the message of peace and love in one’s heart. It is especially a time to spread the message of love and compassion towards the poor and peace among all peoples.

“Our great commitment in the recent past to promote solidarity among communities, is in keeping with the teaching of Christ to ‘love thy neighbour’.

Our efforts to free our people from poverty have been appreciated by Christians and those of all other faiths, alike.

“Christ taught that, whosoever shall receive a child in my name receiveth me. Christian tradition holds that the three kings came to worship the new born child guided by the star light that marked his birth. “Similarly, we must bring the joyous message of Christmas closer to the hearts of our children. Thus, we will be able to come closer to the peace and love of Christ through Christmas.

“I wish you all a Happy Christmas filled with peace and joy.”