Date: The birthday of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25 every year.

Legend: An angel had foretold mother Mary that she would have a special baby. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem (near Jerusalem) where Mary arrived with her husband Joseph from Nazareth. After the birth three wise men came to look for the new born, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). They had followed a bright star in the sky and knew that it told the birth of a special king.

"Jesus considered Compassion as the supreme quality. At first, he declared he was a ‘Messenger of God.’ Then, he announced: ‘I am the Son of God.’ Ultimately he declared: ‘I and my Father are One.’

You must take note of this oneness. You must proclaim your oneness and not your diversity. Today people talk about unity but do not practice it. Love is not to be seen anywhere.

Where there is love, there is no room for hatred. Do not be envious of anyone. When this evil quality appears, Love takes to flight. A pure heart is the abode of Love. Where there is Purity, there is Unity. Unity leads to divinity.

Today Purity is absent. How then, do you realize Divinity? You must offer everything to God without any desire. Dedicate your all to God. This was the teaching of Jesus. He considered everything as an offering to God."

Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam is unique because people of all religions join together to celebrate it in the presence of the Avatar, Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Discourse: Christmas, Dec 25, 1997