The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing challenges of hatred, terror, national rivalry, economic crisis, climate change and food insecurity, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message for Christmas.

"The prayers of Christians in this Season of Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is re-kindled with the nativity of Jesus Christ", President Rajapaksa said.


Here is the full text of the message :

I am pleased to share the joy of Christmas with all who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

The story of Christmas has great meaning to all humankind. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a stable in Bethlehem, is a powerful reminder of the message of humility, love and sharing that is spread with the ringing of Christmas bells in this festive season.

The sheep in whose midst the Child Jesus was born and lay on a manger, and the shepherds who first paid tribute to the Son of God, shows us that Christian love has strong bonds with the poor and the common people and should also extend to all other beings that share this world with us.

In this season of loving and giving Christians seek to break the barriers that divide people, whether by race, ethnicity, religion, caste, wealth or social status.

The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing challenges of hatred, terror, national rivalry, economic crisis, climate change and food insecurity. The prayers of Christians in this Season of Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is re-kindled with the nativity of Jesus Christ.

Sharing the hope in these prayers I send my warmest good wishes for a Christmas full of joy, peace and goodwill to all Christians in Sri Lanka.