Merry Christmas: A Message of Love, Peace and Humanity

Darwin, 25 December: Today marks Christmas Day, the biggest religious festival for Christians around the world. Celebrated on December 25 each year, the day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem and is observed globally with deep reverence, joy and festive spirit, including across Australia.

More than just a religious occasion, Christmas carries a universal message of love, forgiveness, compassion and humanity.

Churches across Australia have been beautifully decorated with lights and colourful ornaments, while prayers, hymns and carols have filled the air since Wednesday evening.

Special lighting arrangements have also been made at prominent churches and star hotels in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Christmas Day is a public holiday in Australia. Families and friends are coming together to exchange gifts, share festive meals and spend quality time with loved ones. The tradition of Santa Claus and gift-giving has brought extra joy to children, making the celebration even more vibrant.

Festive Shopping and Food Traditions

On Christmas Eve, large crowds gathered at the Sydney Fish Market for last-minute shopping. It is estimated that around 18.5 million kilograms of prawns will be consumed nationwide during the Christmas period, highlighting seafood as one of Australia’s most popular festive foods.

A Festival for Everyone

Christmas in Australia is not limited to indoor celebrations. Across New South Wales, more than 50 Christmas Day Parkrun events are being held, with over 4,000 runners participating. These events have transformed Christmas into a day of health, community bonding and inclusivity, alongside traditional feasting and relaxation.

Family Gatherings and Outdoor Celebrations

Across the country, families are hosting Christmas lunches at homes, hotels, resorts and poolside venues. In Queensland, hotels have organised special festive lunches, while many people are enjoying city light displays, live music and decorative events that add colour to the holiday atmosphere.

Celebrations Among the Bangladeshi Diaspora

Members of the Bangladeshi Christian community living in Australia are also celebrating Christmas with prayers, Bible readings and social gatherings. The Bangladeshi Christian Fellowship organised a special programme at Sydney’s Redgum Centre, where participants shared prayers and festive joy.

Beach Celebrations and Public Management

Many Australians have embraced Christmas as a beach holiday, taking advantage of the summer season. However, authorities have also implemented additional measures in certain areas. At Sydney’s Bronte Beach, local councils have increased management efforts to address overcrowding, waste and safety concerns due to large backpacker gatherings.

Jesus Christ, also revered as Isa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him), taught humanity the values of love, sacrifice and peace through his life. Amid today’s global unrest, divisions and crises, Christmas serves as a reminder that compassion for others, standing beside the vulnerable and striving for peace are the true essence of humanity.

As Christmas is celebrated across Australia and the world today, the message remains timeless — may the light of Christmas illuminate hearts with love and make the world a more peaceful and humane place.