Christmas sermons call for unity, urge rejection of fear and intolerance

Kolkata: Sermons delivered in churches across Kolkata on Christmas emphasised unity in diversity and highlighted how Christ's message of empathy and inclusion remains deeply relevant in today's social and political climate. They urged believers to move beyond intolerance and fear.The churches, decked up for the occasion with lights, Christmas trees, floral arrangements, and nativity scenes, filled up from early morning. Choirs led congregations in carols as devotees dressed in their festive best attended morning services. Large crowds were seen at St Thomas' Church, St John's Church, Sacred Heart Church, Duff Church, and St Paul's Cathedral.
Pastors drew from the teachings of Jesus — love for one's neighbour, compassion for the marginalised, and standing with the oppressed — to reflect on India's identity as a secular nation where people of different faiths, castes, languages, and cultures have historically co-existed. "Christ's message of empathy and inclusion is deeply relevant in the context of whatever is happening today. We must move beyond intolerance and fear. Targeting the marginalised, whether religious, linguistic, or social, will only erode the social fabric of society as a whole. If we fail to appreciate the unity in diversity, we are headed into difficult times as a society," Father Swarup Bar said in his Christmas message at St Andrew's Church.At St Mary's Church on Elgin Road, Reverend Father Pradip Biswas said, "The message of Christmas calls on people to act with kindness and courage. The story of Christ's birth continues to inspire believers to uphold dignity and justice in everyday life." Church leaders used the occasion to reflect on the wider challenges faced by society. Bishop Paritosh Canning, moderator of the Church of North India, described the past year as a difficult one marked by multiple problems. Referring to Jesus as a beacon of hope and peace, he said Christmas carries a universal message. He called on religious leaders of all faiths to take greater responsibility by offering spiritual guidance that can help restore calm and understanding among people."Christmas is not just a festival for Christians; it has become a universal celebration. Therefore, I want to request not only Christians but all religious leaders to recognise their responsibility. During this Christmas time, I want to request all religious leaders to, in their own way and according to their own religious traditions, offer more spiritual counselling and teaching than before. This will foster spiritual growth in individuals, and naturally, all negative things may gradually diminish. All religious leaders have a very important role to play during this time," he said.Archbishop of Kolkata Elias Frank said, "The angel's message begins with ‘fear not.' Night symbolises fear and uncertainty, much like the illness, loneliness, broken relationships, and anxieties we face today. Into every darkness, God speaks courage and hope. The joy announced is not fleeting happiness but lasting joy rooted in Christ, offered to all beyond culture or circumstance. Jesus is revealed as Saviour, Christ, and Lord. He frees us from our bondage to what destroys us, fulfils God's promises, and guides our lives with purpose. Found as a child in a manger, he shows that God's grace often comes quietly in humility and simplicity. Christ's birth brings peace to our hearts and sends us forth as bearers of joy, peace, and hope to the world. I wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026."

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