Christmas Eve Shines In Prasanthi Nilayam…

The mass ‘festive’ appeal of Christmas earns a unique distinction in Prasanthi Nilayam every winter, as here, in The House Of The Supreme Lord, the festivity distinctly turns out to be a joyous celebration of the Truth Of Oneness, the Truth that Jesus proclaimed to the world at large. Driven by the spirit of Eternal Religion, Christmas in Prasanthi always begins in typical Indian fashion, with 3 Aumkars, only to evolve to gentle ‘Western’.

Celebrating the joyous occasion, wishing peace on Earth and goodwill to men, beseeching The Lord praising His Bundle Of Joy, over 380 choristers from 50 countries presented the Christmas Eve’s traditional choir this evening here, in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Earlier, International Christmas Committee Coordinator Tom Lehoy lit the traditional Christmas Candle along with John Behner commencing the proceedings of the beautiful Christmas Eve.

The Choir that followed had 18 hymns – a bouquet of carols, devotional and prayers, singing paeans to The Divine Father-Son duo. Ms Krishnaveni, an Indian settled in the US, conducted the Choir that lasted for over 75 minutes, ably supported by accomplished musicians from different countries.

Themed after “I And My Father Are One…”, the Choir began with a Ganesha adoration, “Jaya Jaya Ganaraya…” and the hymns which followed included “Joy To The World – Hallelujah…”, “Veni, Veni – Emmanuel…”, “Adoramus Te…”, “Unto The Lamb…”, “Tu Pyaar Ka Sagar Hey…”, “O Holy Night…”, etc.

Befitting the occasion, the Darshan House Of The Lord, the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall bore unique decoration with colourful Christmas themes parading all over. Rare, beautiful, artistic paintings on Christmas  served as add-ons to the colourful festive theme. Devotees from the UK worked tirelessly over the week piecing together their artistic, aesthetic skills decorating the House Of The Lord on the festive occasion.

Bhajans continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II