Churches abuzz as Jamshedpur celebrates birth of Lord Jesus Christ

Jamshedpur: The festival of Christmas was celebrated with deep devotion, enthusiasm and joy across Jamshedpur to mark the arrival of Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the biting cold, Roman Catholic churches and other Christian places of worship witnessed a large turnout of children, youth, elderly people and women from the Christian community.

Churches across the city were bustling with activity as special midnight prayer services and Mass were held, during which priests delivered messages of love, peace, truth, non-violence and brotherhood. Devotees gathered in large numbers at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, Lupita Church Telco, Mercy Chapel, Convent School, Carmel School, XLRI and Loyola Church to participate in the celebrations.

During the carol singing and prayer services, members of the Christian community confessed their sins, after which priests sprinkled holy water and encouraged them to follow the path of truth, love and justice. Special prayers were offered for peace, progress and harmony in society, the state, the country and the world.

The first, second and third readings from the Holy Bible were read in all the churches. The infant form of Lord Jesus Christ was placed in the manger with great reverence and devotion, symbolising hope, salvation and new beginnings.

At the Loyola School Church, Chief Priest Father Ajit Soreng extended Christmas greetings and said that Christmas marks the arrival of Lord Jesus Christ, whose life and sacrifice continue to guide humanity. He emphasized that people should not limit Christmas to outward joy, celebration and material pleasures, but should internalize the spiritual message of the Lord. He said Lord Jesus came into the darkness of the world and sacrificed himself on the cross for the welfare and salvation of mankind, to free humanity from sin, hatred, greed, anger and violence.

Father Soreng added that Christmas becomes meaningful only when people renounce excessive worldly desires and move spiritually closer to Lord Jesus with faith and devotion. Only then, he said, can true hope and peace be achieved. Father Mukti Clarence, Father C.G. Thomas, Father Victor Miskith, Father Kuruvila, Father Charlie Pereira, Father Cyril Tigga and others also participated in the special prayer services.

Special prayer services are scheduled to be held on Thursday morning at the Beldih Baptist Church, GEL Church and CNI Church in the city.

On the occasion of Christmas, all churches were beautifully decorated and illuminated with colourful lights. Church bells rang at midnight, announcing the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and filling the city with an atmosphere of joy, devotion and brotherhood.