Millions across the globe celebrate Christmas today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Hundreds of millions of people across the world are celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ today (December 25). Christmas is an annual festival celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. It is observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. The 'Christ-Mass' service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so people had it at midnight! So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas. People celebrate Christmas Day in many ways. It is often combined with customs from pre-Christian winter celebrations. Many people decorate their homes, visit family or friends and exchange gifts. In the days or even weeks before Christmas Day, many people decorate their homes and gardens with lights, Christmas trees and much more. We at News 1st wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas. The President, Prime Minister, as well as the former president, issued Christmas messages. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called all to dedicate themselves with determination to create a better society where all human beings will be treated equally, the way Jesus Christ taught us. The President in his message also said that at present there is an environment in the country where citizens can celebrate Christmas without fearful thoughts and suspicion. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the government of Sri Lanka is committed to the task of dispelling the darkness of religious terrorism and restoring security and peace to the motherland. The Prime Minister in his Christmas message requested all Christians to exercise their freedom of worship, without allowing extremist forces to succeed in suppressing that freedom. Former President Maithripala Sirisena issuing a message said the true meaning of Christmas is to spread peace, happiness and compassionate humanity around the world. In his message, the former president reminds the commitment he made during his five years in office to create a peaceful society in the country.