Churches across Kolkata resonated with powerful messages of unity, empathy, and social harmony during Christmas Day services. Pastors and bishops used the occasion to reflect on the enduring relevance of Christ's teachings in today's complex social and political landscape, urging congregations to actively foster inclusion.
Churches Ablaze with Festivity and Reflection
From the early hours, Kolkata's historic churches, adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and elaborate nativity scenes, welcomed devotees dressed in their festive best. The air was filled with the sound of carols led by choirs as congregations gathered for special morning services. Large crowds were reported at prominent places of worship including St Thomas' Church, St John's Church, Sacred Heart Church, Duff Church, and St Paul's Cathedral.
The visual splendour of the decorations set the stage for sermons that went beyond traditional celebration, delving into pressing contemporary issues. The clergy drew direct parallels between the core teachings of Jesus and the foundational values of Indian society.
Leaders Call for Courage and Compassion
In his Christmas message at St Andrew's Church, Father Swarup Bar made a compelling case for preserving India's pluralistic ethos. "Christ's message of empathy and inclusion is deeply relevant in the context of whatever is happening today," he stated. He warned that targeting any marginalised community—whether based on religion, language, or social status—damages the entire social fabric. "If we fail to appreciate the unity in diversity, we are headed into difficult times as a society," Father Bar emphasised.
Echoing this sentiment, Reverend Father Pradip Biswas at St Mary's Church on Elgin Road highlighted the call to action within the Christmas story. He reminded the faithful that the narrative of Christ's birth inspires believers to uphold human dignity and justice in their daily lives, acting with both kindness and courage.
A Universal Appeal for Spiritual Guidance
The call for harmony extended beyond the Christian community. Bishop Paritosh Canning, moderator of the Church of North India, described the past year as challenging and framed Christmas as a universal beacon of hope and peace. He issued a significant appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to assume greater responsibility.
"Christmas is not just a festival for Christians; it has become a universal celebration," Bishop Canning said. He urged leaders from every religion to offer enhanced spiritual counselling and teachings according to their own traditions. He believes such efforts can foster individual spiritual growth, which in turn can help diminish negativity and restore calm and understanding among people.
Archbishop of Kolkata, Elias Frank, provided a theological anchor to the day's messages. He interpreted the angelic proclamation of "fear not" as a direct answer to modern anxieties like illness, loneliness, and broken relationships. "Into every darkness, God speaks courage and hope," the Archbishop proclaimed. He described the joy of Christmas as a lasting force, rooted in Christ and available to everyone regardless of culture or circumstance. Archbishop Frank concluded by noting that Christ, found in the humility of a manger, sends believers forth as bearers of joy, peace, and hope to the wider world.
The Christmas celebrations in Kolkata, therefore, seamlessly blended traditional worship with a profound and timely commentary on social cohesion, making the age-old festival a platform for advocating unity and compassion in contemporary India.
