In Bethlehem, Palestine, thousands of pilgrims are expected to gather at the historic Manger Square, where special prayers and traditional ceremonies are being held near the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The celebrations in Bethlehem hold immense spiritual significance for Christians worldwide.
At the Vatican City, Pope Francis will deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) Christmas blessing from St. Peter’s Square, drawing worshippers and pilgrims from different parts of the world. The message traditionally focuses on peace, humanitarian values, and global solidarity.
Across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, churches are hosting special midnight masses, prayer services, and community gatherings. Festive activities such as Christmas markets, carol singing events, illumination displays, and charitable initiatives are also taking place, reflecting the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the occasion.
Christmas Celebrations in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Christian communities in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar are observing Christmas with special church services, prayers, and family gatherings. Churches have been beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and nativity scenes, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence.
Special prayers are being offered for peace, prosperity, national harmony, and the well-being of the country. Earlier, several interfaith events in Punjab and Sindh highlighted religious harmony, unity, and mutual respect among different faith communities, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to pluralism.
Authorities, religious leaders, and community elders have urged citizens to celebrate responsibly while observing security, health, and safety guidelines. Christmas, blending religious devotion with cultural festivity, continues to symbolize peace, goodwill, tolerance, and togetherness across the world.
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President, PM Felicitate Christian Community
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Christian community of Pakistan and Christians around the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said that Christmas is a time of hope, peace, compassion, and service to humanity. He stated that the message of love and selflessness associated with the birth of Jesus Christ reminds humanity of the values that unite people across religions and cultures.
Referring to the vision of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the president recalled his historic address to the first Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, where Quaid-e-Azam affirmed complete religious freedom for all citizens. He emphasized that these words remain a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s commitment to equality, religious freedom, and mutual respect.
The president highlighted that Christian citizens of Pakistan have made significant contributions in diverse fields including politics, national defence, education, healthcare, literature, arts, music, social welfare, and public service, adding that their role continues to enrich national life and strengthen collective progress.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, also conveyed heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and abroad. He said that Christmas carries a universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and goodwill for all humanity.
The prime minister prayed that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (AS) would bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the Christian community and the entire country. He praised the Christian community as an active, peaceful, and positive segment of society, acknowledging their commendable services in education, healthcare, and other sectors.
Paying tribute to their sacrifices, the prime minister noted that members of the Christian community have stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation in the fight against terrorism, calling their contributions a source of pride for Pakistan.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said ensuring equal rights, freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination remains a top priority. He urged people of all faiths to work together for a strong, secure, and prosperous Pakistan, and concluded by extending warm Christmas wishes to the Christian community.
