Gaiety and Reunions Mark Christmas Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Gaiety and family reunions dominated the Christmas festive spirit throughout Thursday across various churches in Andhra Pradesh, some of them commencing their services as early as 4:30 a.m.

Nativity scenes, stars of various sizes and hues, and lighting illuminated the churches in AP.

In Vijayawada city, people gathered in large numbers at its prominent churches, including Gunadala Mary Matha Shrine, St Paul’s Cathedral, Infant Jesus Catholic Church, Philadelphia AG Church, CSI All Saints Church, Indian Pentecostal Church, Messiah Fellowship Church, and Zion Fellowship Church.

At Pedakakani near Guntur, the Bible Mission Church held its early morning service between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., followed by a banquet for the attendees. Similar morning services, followed by sermons, marked the day at the churches in Tenali, Bapatla, Macharla, Narasraopet, Nunna and other towns and cities. Large numbers of faithful attended the services.

Faith, harmony and spiritual enthusiasm marked the festive spirit at the CSI and RCM churches in Vijayawada, Gudivada, Machilipatnam and other districts.

Pastors and priests delivered sermons highlighting Jesus Christ’s message of love, peace, sacrifice, and brotherhood. They appealed to the faithful to practise compassion, forgiveness and service to humanity in their daily lives.

Melodious rendition of Christmas hymns and carols added to the spiritual fervour of the Christmas celebrations.

After the services, devotees greeted each other and shared sweets and cakes.