President, Vice-President, PM greet nation on Christmas

President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Christmas saying the festival signifies the ideals of brotherhood, love and compassion.

Patil in her message said, "Christmas is a time of great joy, cheer, hope and happiness. It proclaims Lord Jesus Christ's message of love and sacrifice, compassion and service, courage and humility, peace and harmony."

Observing that the festival is an occasion to imbibe divine teachings of Lord Jesus Christ, Vice President Ansari said, "Christmas is an occasion to imbibe the divine teachings of Lord Jesus Christ and spread joy and happiness. The festival also signifies the ideals of brotherhood, love and compassion."

Hoping that the festival will inspire people to work tirelessly for progress of the nation, he said, "The festival also signifies the ideals of brotherhood, love and compassion."

Prime Minister Singh in his message said the festival may fill everyone's heart with hope and joy.

"The festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is an occasion to celebrate and imbibe Lord Christ's message of love, compassion and forgiveness", he said, adding that it may fill the hearts of people all over the world with warmth, hope and joy.
Extending her wishes on the occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said, "The noble spirit of this festival inspires our lives and touches our hearts. Christmas gives us the message of charity and sacrifice."

Wishing peace, harmony and human values to prevail, she said, "Let it fill our hearts with passion and guide us to share our delights with others, especially those who are less privileged and who need our love, respect and support."