Unity Christmas Celebrations 2007

Victoria, Australia

Christmas was celebrated as a unity event for the first time hosted by Zone East and Zone West of the Sathya Sai Organisation Victoria Region on the 15^th of December 2007. Although the weather did not depict a typical Australian summer’s day, the rain did not deter over 200 devotees from gathering at the St James’ Uniting Church in Box Hill to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The program commenced with three Om’s, followed by an opening address from Sister Hema, the Spiritual Coordinator of Zone East, who welcomed devotees and introduced the day’s master of ceremonies, Sister Archana. After a brief introduction along with housekeeping announcements, the program was underway.

A beautiful altar was created, showcasing Swami, Jesus, and a Christmas tree, along with a stunning nativity set. The altar was lovingly arranged and assembled by the help of many devotees, with the use of tinsel and Christmas candles illustrating the event’s theme. Packs of toiletries were placed under the tree, enveloped in colourful Christmas wrapping paper, to be blessed by Swami before being distributed in the city to needy people as part of a Christmas service activity.

The first item was a talk presented by Sister Carolin, Unity of faith Coordinator Zone West, who spoke on the topic “The real meaning of Christmas.” The talk focused on the days leading up to what is now known as Christmas Day, illuminating Jesus Christ’s birth, and the significance of the three wise men and the gifts they bore. Sister Carolin delivered what was an enthralling account of why we celebrate Christmas and the messages we should derive from this auspicious event that was the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.

The Youth were next on the agenda to perform a play entitled “The true meaning of Christmas.” After a quick introduction by Sister’s Alpa and Shivani, the story moved to the living room of a young man, played by Brother Rheuban, who was pondering the meaning of Christmas, when suddenly Santa Claus himself appeared in the room. Making his way over to the Christmas tree, Santa opened his sack that contained many items carrying significance during this festive season. Santa explained to the young man the importance of these objects, which included the Christmas tree, a wreath, a candle, a star, Santa Claus, a holy leaf and a candy cane. This play enabled the audience to consider the different meanings that these objects symbolize, and place them in a context broader than Christmas: that of every day life.

The wonderful carol melodies of the Box Hill, Nunawading and Waverley SSE Christmas Choir followed the Youth play. The energetic, vibrant children performed with enthusiasm and exuberance, singing three Christmas carols with lively passion. Playing their own instruments, wearing Christmas hats and Reindeer’s ears, and dressed in white, the children symbolized purity and wholesomeness, delivering harmonious tunes to our ears.

The Springvale Centre was next to present an adult’s play with the title “Birth of Baby Jesus.” The play opened with Mary and Joseph deliberating over where to give birth to their son, and discovering an inn to stay in. A visit from the three wise men followed, with their gifts in tow. However, trouble ensued when King Herod plotted to kill Baby Jesus, which was acted out magnificently with the aid of props and excellent costuming. This play illustrated the events, which occurred before and after the birth of Jesus, particularly the deception and manipulation, which King Herod displayed and the lessons learned by those present at the time.

Another adult play was performed by the Hoppers Crossing Centre, which was entitled “The Lord’s Prayer.” This presentation occurred in the form of a monologue, between a devotee and God. Whilst reciting the Lord’s Prayer one day, God spoke to the praying devotee, questioning him about the meaning of his prayers. As they conversed, the messages of each line of the Lord’s Prayer became clear, allowing the significance of this particular prayer to be more completely comprehended and understood in all its glory.

Following this play was an inspiring talk by Sister Margaret, based on the theme “Similarities between Jesus and Swami.” First discussed was the situation each Divine body was born in, Jesus being born in the time of Sadducees and Pharisees, Swami being born at a much later date. The messages of both Jesus and Swami were elucidated quickly in that they both taught to love our fellow brothers and sisters and treat all of mankind equally. Sister Margaret proceeded to offer very motivational advice regarding the questions we should be asking one another this Christmas season; instead of enquiring about what presents everyone else received, we should ask what everyone gave, for giving is a far greater deed than receiving.

The last play of the program was presented by Mill Park, Epping and Bundoora centres, entitled “King Herod and the three wise men.” An in depth portrait of King Herod’s evil plan to kill Baby Jesus was depicted, as well as the messages of the three wise men. Excellent costumes added colour to the play, and helped illustrate and define each character’s role.

A short tea break gave everyone a chance to refresh before the afternoon’s bhajans session. Seven melodious English bhajans were sung in an atmosphere of harmonious vibrations, which were followed by Christmas Carols including “Away in a manger”, “Joy to the world”, “Little drummer boy”, “Rudolph the red nosed reindeer”, “Jingle Bells” and “We wish you a merry Christmas”, during which a special guest appearance was made by Santa Claus. There was a nervous air of anticipation as Santa arrived, and the young children were silent in excitement and awe. Santa distributed lollies to everybody and there were smiles all around. The English aarati followed, and the program was concluded with the closing address from Brother Bhaskar, the Spiritual Coordinator of Zone West. All in all, it was an entertaining and joyous day, filled with good spirits and love for Swami.