Main Page for Events 06 Christmas Celebrations Blanket 24 Dec 06

As you walked through the corridor the lights were sparkling near the Christmas Tree and the little model displays of the Nativity reminded us of why we were celebrating this special occasion.

As you entered the hall the beautiful decorations gleamed together with the radiant smile on the face of Jesus Christ.

A wonderful assortment of bhajans filled the hall followed by Arti for our Dear Lord.

Amitbhai Mistry then introduced the Christmas programme and Rinaben Mistry gave us a very inspiring talk on the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Rinaben reminded us how a star is said to have shone bright leading everyone to Baby Jesus. But she reminded us how Baba explained this as being the Halo of splendour of Christ showing us he had come to remove darkness.

Rinaben also explained how when the three kings or wise men came they each made a statement…

“This is the messenger of God”

“This is the Son of God”

“This is God”

…and how these three statements explain the progression from human to Divine and that Jesus’ life was an example of this.

She also explained it in another beautiful but simple way to help us understand, “I was in the Light”, “the Light was in me”, “I am the Light”.

Rinaben then went on to explain how Mother Mary taught Jesus the importance of values like Truth, Compassion and Justice and how Jesus at the age of 30 had completely devoted his life to the service of the needy and even forgave those who crucified Him.

His life is an example for us all, as is Baba’s, and we should direct our lives accordingly. Rinaben finished by reminding us that when we have our parties this Christmas, we should stop and think are we just having a party or are we thinking about the inner meaning and how we can improve our lives?

Amitbhai then gave everyone a little quiz on the talk.

Following this we were all treated to the much awaited pantomime performed by the gentlemen of the Centre, although they looked a little different than normal!!!

The pantomime which was based on the story of Aladdin and was filled with jokes which had the whole hall reverberating with laughter. The script was beautifully written and contained all the right ingredients for a pantomime but also had the vital spiritual message just staring you in the face. Aladdin was looking for happiness but was unable to find it in the outside world with his wishes granted by the Genie! So the message was to search within!

This message was portrayed with excellent acting, beautiful, bright costumes and fantastic song and dance with choreography like you never saw before! An excellent and enjoyable pantomime was then completed in true professional style with hilarious credits at the end.

All were then calmed by some beautiful Christmas Carols sung by the youth. The younger children immediately knew what this meant and heads were turning in anticipation of our special visitor. All faces lit up as the red robe and white beard appeared!

The children this year had decided to offer a gift to the homeless to Santa so he could pass it on to those who needed it. But every child also received a treat in return from Santa.

The SSE children were also awarded for all their hard work throughout the year as the SSE prizes were given during the annual SSE presentation. National Certificates were presented to those children who took the National exams. First, second and third prizes were also awarded for the best overall marks which included exam results, attendance, behaviour and not to forget homework! But all the children received a prize for their efforts throughout the year and went home with filled hands.

Everyone was then treated to yummy refreshments of homemade mince pies and tea/coffee, so every individual left with a nice warm and content feeling and joyful hearts.

Jai Sai Ram.

Photographs ( to be added) - click on the photograph to view enlarged size