Christmas celebration in the Saudi capital sparks harmony, peace, and camaraderie
A cross-section of the international Christian community living and working in Saudi Arabia joined hands to celebrate Christmas here recently, showcasing unity, faith, peace, and camaraderie. The celebrations brought joy and unity, with several lively performances of dance, songs, and poetry recitation that added to the festive mood, engaging the entire audience.
The highlight of the grand celebration was an inspiring message shared by Pastor Dr. Satish K. David, who spoke on the theme “Christmas is the celebration of the greatest gift from God Jesus Christ” emphasizing the true essence of Christmas as the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth and hope for humanity. The event was attended by several expatriate groups including Indian Christians and guests from Africa, Indonesia, and Nepal.
The organizers of the Christmas spectacular at Calvary Cross Fellowship in Riyadh described the event as a ‘huge success’. “Our gatherings are full of warmth and joy. It’s about bringing a piece of our traditions and good practices into our community and homes here in Riyadh,” explains Dr. David, while referring to an increasing number of community gatherings being organized by the Christian community within expatriate compounds across the Kingdom.
Referring to the Christmas celebrations in Riyadh, a press statement released on this occasion said that the event was filled with an array of engaging activities including cake cutting, dances, and carols that added rhythm and melody to the joy of the season. These were in addition to solo singing performances, Bible quiz program, and Christmas poem recitation, celebrating the story and spirit of the occasion. “Whole day radiated with warmth, laughter, and faith as the community came together to honor the birth of Christ in a truly memorable way,” the statement added.
The Christmas celebration was organized here by the Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF) and Christian International Embassy (CIE). Prominent among organizers included Dr. Saroja Motte, Vice Chairman of the Christian International Embassy(CIE), Dr. Satish K David, Founder & Chairman-Christian International Embassy (CIE), Pastor Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF), Meen Bahadur, Elder Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF), Kumar, Deacon Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF), Prachiti Director Decoration Team Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF), and John Lopchon Music Director Choir Team Calvary Cross Fellowship (CCF).
Pastor Dr. Satish K David and Dr Saroja Motte cut the ceremonial cake on this occasion. The choir team artists included John Lopchon, Tammineni Srikanth Babu, Subhash Babu Nalla, Sujan Pariyar, Suraj, Sarah Khadka, Aasta Hamal, Sushma, and Lebi Rai, whereas dancing feats were performed by Sarah, Lebi, Susmita Rana, John, Suraj, Rajkumar Dhami, and Master Adian. Rajkumar Dhami recited the poetry that left the audience spellbound. Dr. Saroja Motte was the emcee for this celebration.
Pramod Kumar Tamang handled the Christmas Gift exchange session. Min Bahadur Thapa, Sujan Balampake Maga, Kumar Patel, and Master Adiel Siddharudh Kinagi were at the forefront of the event. Christmas is a major Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For most people, it takes place every year on 25 December--the day that the Roman Catholic Church chose to mark Jesus’ birthday. The celebration of Christmas in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and Islamic traditions, presents a unique and evolving narrative today.
The universal appeal of Christmas resonates across different cultures and faiths, including in Saudi Arabia, where the expatriate community brings its own traditions and values to the season. Supermarkets in the Saudi capital now stock colorful Christmas decorations, lights, and trees, while Riyadh's top hotels thoughtfully embrace the season's culinary and decorative traditions with festive-themed brunches, seasonal menus, and a range of holiday displays. One can also find full fragrance natural flowers, red rose flowers, trees, and gifts in the nurseries and gift shops of the Kingdom respectively on the occasion.
