December 26, 2007	Wednesday	Zilhaj 15, 1428

KARACHI, Dec 25: The Christian community in Karachi celebrated their holiest religious festival, Christmas, with religious fervour and zeal.

Thousands of Christians across the city attended midnight service in churches and exchanged greetings with each other, besides praying for peace, progress and prosperity. On Tuesday, a service was held in every church where they prayed for the country’s solidarity and integrity.

Christian localities across the metropolis were decorated with colourful buntings, flags and illuminations. Smartly dressed men, women and children exchanged greetings and gifts to mark the occasion. Christmas trees were displayed at street corners, as well as in restaurants, hotels and homes. Sweets and cakes were distributed among the community members. Carol singing was held at many places under the auspices of different Christian organisations as part of the festivities during which Santa Claus greeted children and distributed gifts among them.

At all religious programmes, clergymen impressed upon the faithful the need for spreading the message of peace, love and harmony as propagated by Jesus Christ.—Agencies