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Ministers participate in Christmas fest
Minister for Minorities Welfare Dr Palle Raghunatha Reddy has described Jesus Christ as a rare and unique God comparable with
- Jesus Christ, a unique personality in history of mankind: Minister Palle
- Chandranna Christmas Kanuka would be distributed to the underprivileged Christians: Paritala Sunitha
- One of the greatest teachings of Jesus Christ is to forgive others: MLC M Geyanand
- Christmas carols were sung by members of various churches
Anantapur: Minister for Minorities Welfare Dr Palle Raghunatha Reddy has described Jesus Christ as a rare and unique God comparable with none. Jesus Christ is worshipped and loved by hundreds of crores of people spread over in more than 127 Christian nations apart from adherents of Christianity spread all over the 250 nations of the world. Christmas is universal and Jesus Christ a historical God.
Participating in the official Christmas function organised on behalf of the State government by the Department of Minorities here, Raghunatha Reddy stated that Christianity came to India in the first centaury in the Christian era through Apostle Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. He said that Jesus was a unique personality in history of mankind. Even in his worst suffering on the cross of crucifixion, he prayed that his detractors, who were responsible for his death sentence, be forgiven. Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing, was the prayer of Jesus. Forgiveness was the greatest virtue of Jesus which he showed towards humanity.
He stands apart from all other religious teachers and deities through his life, teachings and the impact of his life on planet earth and all human beings irrespective of race, religion and creed. He described the Christian community as peaceful and as one who greatly contributed to development in the fields of education and health. He said that the government has many schemes for the welfare of 35 lakh Christians in the State. Civil Supplies Minister Paritala Sunitha detailed about the Chandranna Christmas Kanuka given to the underprivileged Christians in this month through the ration shops.
Senior pastor and superintendent of Assemblies of God church Rev Timothy Rao spoke on the uniqueness of Christ as the one who claimed to be the way, the truth and the life. He said that Christ was born to die for the sins of humanity and to be the eternal redeemer of mankind. He said that the impact of Christ on planet earth was immense. He was the only one who offered salvation from sins on a gold platter by sacrificing his own life on the cross of calvary. He said that Christianity is not a religion.
MLC Dr M Geyanand said that one of the greatest teachings of Christ was that if any one slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek was his teaching. He said ‘love your enemies and do good to them that persecute you and say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for you will have a great reward in heaven’.
Local MLA V Prabhakar Chowdary said that the State government has many schemes formulated for the minorities in the State including Christians. District Collector Kona Sasidhar described Christmas as a festival of joy, peace and universal brotherhood. He said that Christian community greatly contributed to development and national integration. SP Rajasekhar Babu also spoke. Heart-melting Christmas carols were presented by Assemblies of God Shekenah church, CSI church, SIU church and others.
