NEW DELHI: (AMN) The President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister and other minister have greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas. In her message, the President, Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said that the day symbolizes a yearning of humanity for lasting peace and joy. The Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari said that values like peace, love, compassion and tolerance have the power to transform our lives and bring hope in troubled times. In his message, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the festival underlines the need to follow the ideals of sacrifice, service, redemption, love and compassion.
Christians across the world are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with Carol singing, midnight masses and special services. The focus of the celebration will be in Bethlehem, where Christ was born over 2000 years ago. A traditional procession is planned there with a concert in Manger Square to be capped by a midnight mass. Churches across India have been tastefully decorated for midnight mass tonight and celebrations on Saturday.