Twin cities Christians gear up for Advent season

Hyderabad: Christians from the twin cities are gearing up for a grand Sunday, marking the commencement of the Advent season. With the spirit of Christmas pervading the city, churches are getting decked up with many fixing Crib-sets of nativity of Christ’s births.

As a prelude to Advent season, many churches organised thanksgiving events this month. It is also known as the harvest festival.

The Lord's Church at Bowenpally, which celebrated thanksgiving day on Thursday, organised prayers and special offerings. According to its pastor, Raj Prakesh Paul “as part of our thanksgiving, the church takes part in various charitable activities. It is celebrated by way of congregation prayers.”

Bishop A.C. Solomon Raj, Bishop Medak Diocese, Church of South India, said “Indian festivals symbolise the culture and ethnicity of the community. Sharing is an extension of thanksgiving. Our churches conducted thanksgiving a few weeks back on a Sunday. Most of the congregation took part in the event.”

Rev Sanjay Paul, of Methodist Church, Lalapet, said “Advent starts this Sunday. Christians will be getting ready to receive their saviour. Candles are lit on four successive Sundays and they symbolise hope, love, joy and peace. The candle lit on the day of Christmas is an indication that the saviour is born.”

Prabhu Charan, sexton of Centenary Methodist Church, said “the church was decorated with flowers and fruits, Most of the congregations offered gifts on the thanksgiving Sunday.”