Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Ranjith emphasized that following the path shown by Jesus Christ is more important than merely celebrating the Christmas festival. He highlighted that Christmas is a time to understand its true meaning and live according to the values preached by Christ.
Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ who brought a message of peace to the world, dawned at midnight yesterday (24). The ringing of church bells marked the arrival of Christmas, as Sri Lankan Christians joined millions of believers around the world in celebrating the holy occasion.
Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25 in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, revered by believers worldwide as the Prince of Peace. The word “Christmas” is derived from the Latin term Natale, meaning “birth.”
According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary. This sacred night has been embraced with love and reverence by Christians across generations.
As a universal religious celebration, Christmas carries profound messages of love, peace, joy, sharing, sacrifice, understanding, humility, and religious coexistence.
The main Midnight Mass on Christmas Day was conducted under the leadership of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, who once again urged the faithful to truly understand the essence of Christmas and reflect it through their actions.
