‘Message of peace on earth has relevance to world today’
“I am pleased to share the joy of Christmas with all who celebrate
the birth of Jesus Christ,” President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a
Christmas message.
President
Mahinda Rajapaksa |
The message: “The story of Christmas has great meaning to all
humankind. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a stable in
Bethlehem, is a powerful reminder of the message of humility, love and
sharing that is spread with the ringing of Christmas bells in this
festive season.
“The sheep in whose midst the Child Jesus was born and lay on a
manger, and the shepherds
who first paid tribute to the Son of God, shows us that Christian
love has strong bonds with the poor and the common people and should
also extend to all other beings that share this world with us.
“In this season of loving and giving Christians seek to break the
barriers that divide people, whether by race, ethnicity, religion,
caste, wealth or social status.
“The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the
first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing
challenges of hatred, terror, national rivalry, economic crisis, climate
change and food insecurity. The prayers of Christians in this Season of
Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is
re-kindled with the nativity of Jesus Christ.
“Sharing the hope in these prayers I send my warmest good wishes for
a Christmas full of joy, peace and goodwill to all Christians in Sri
Lanka.” |