Christmas Rally in Central India Help Spread Message of Love of Jesus

Jabalpur – A Christmas rally was held by the Christian community of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to spread the message of love and peace in the Hindu–dominated town.

Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur explained that the December 19 rally was staged "to create awareness about what Christmas means." He said the Church wants to proclaim "the message of the everlasting love of Lord Jesus, who loved the human race without any caste or religious differences."

Sporting caps and banners inscribed in English and Hindi with “Peace on Earth”, hundreds of Christians joined the marchers as they sang Christmas carols through the busy streets of Jabalpur.

According to news reports, the goal of the rally was to proclaim to the world that the birth of Lord Jesus was not to punish sinners but to give them new life with new hope. It was also an attempt to tell people of other faiths about "the unending love of Christ," so that they do not dismiss Christmas as a festival only for Christians.

According to Bishop Almeida, the rally provided "a beautiful platform" for Christians of various denominations to express a united witness to their faith in a place where they are a small minority. Christians form only 0.3 percent of the state's 60.5 million people. More than 91 percent are Hindus and Muslims are 6.5 percent. The rest are Sikhs or believers of other religious sects.

Earlier in 2004, the state witnessed a series of attacks on Church workers and institutions. Bishop Almeida was asked if those attacks had anything to do with the large turnout at the rally, but he simply responded that unity among denominations is necessary, especially when Christians are the minority.

The marchers carried several colorful posters and placards depicting social activities that Christians undertake among the sick and poor. In one, school children attired as doctors and nurses depicted Church medical service. Another one showed the Magi riding camels on their visit to the Infant Jesus.

A major attraction was a street play on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which was presented to explain why Christians carry out social services.

At the inaugural prayer, preacher Ajay Lall said proclaiming Christ to people of other faiths is "a befitting birthday gift" for the child Jesus and there is "dire need for Christ in this world now." During the prayer, Church leaders released white pigeons and colorful balloons to usher in an era of world peace.

According to Rev. Akbar Das, a Methodist pastor, the rally attempted to tell people that Jesus is their salvation and to showcase Christian activities in the right perspective. Participant Maya Antony said the rally helped express the love and concern of Christ for people. This "small gesture can help people know more about Christmas and the Church," she pointed out. Her companion, Mariya Lall, added that the rally would help people of all faiths understand Christians better, and that in turn would promote communal harmony and trust.

Regi David, secretary of the Catholic Council in Madhya Pradesh and adjacent Chhattisgarh state, agreed that unity among Christian denominations and improved relations among all religions are "essential" for social harmony.