Loving One Another: Children Come Together to Celebrate the Holidays in Lahore, Pakistan

On December 23, 2007, artists dressed in elaborate historical costumes gathered to present the beautiful story of Christ’s birth to an audience of Muslim and Christian children brought from local schools in Lahore, Pakistan. The story of the presentation focused on one particular meaningful aspect; the idea of the Christ being the Prince of Peace, who taught that loving your neighbor as yourself, means loving everyone, despite their religion. This valuable lesson was at the heart of the entire program.

Organized by URI’s Tehreek Taraque Insaniate CC and Peace and Development Foundation CC, the event drew over 250 participants together to celebrate two religious holidays that are strikingly different, Eid and Christmas. One of the most notable activities at the event was an Eid & Christmas Quiz, where all of the children competed to answer questions about each other’s religions and Holy Books to win prizes. They also fellowshipped together by eating, playing games, and finally, excitedly received gifts such as blankets, books, stationary, and treats.

Following the fun and games, in a touching display of cooperation, a local choir sung peace songs and Christmas carols as everyone from the smallest child to the oldest adult joined together to light candles of peace, led by guest Fr. Nadeem Francis. Fr. Francis said, “Today’s event reflects the true spirit of the URI Principles, Preamble, and Purpose.” He also prayed that “the prayers that Muslim brothers and sisters offered during Eid come true, and that the Almighty God accept their commitments.”

Akhter Murad, Coordinator for the Peace and Development Foundation, also took a moment to read messages from Fr. James Channan, URI Regional Coordinator, and Sally Mahé, URI Organizational Development Director, to all the participants. Yuel Bhatti recognized the interfaith leaders that had attended the event in support of the true spirit of interfaith work. He then ceremoniously presented a wooden decoration piece engraved with the holy verse of Quran to Sheikh Sahibzada Saeed-ur-Rehman, the Grand Imam of Liberty Mosque.

According to Sheikh Saeed-ur-Rehman, “I am very impressed with all the celebration—a real example of religious harmony.” The evening ended with all of the participants, hundreds from different faiths, reciting together:

May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!

May Peace Prevail on Earth!