Fri, Dec 24, 2010: Today is Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas, the night that heralded the Advent of Jesus Christ. For those seekers of Jesus, those seekers of Truth who knows "Sathya", this is the occasion to rejoice 'the advent'; for them who are missing the action, physically in Prasanthi, it will be difficult to fill the void of not being in Prasanthi and it is time for sheer nostalgia!

Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam is distinctive over the years with a unique choir comprising representation of 'United Nations' singing His glory in presence of The One Who could be called the 'Creator' or 'Originator' of Christmas. The Overseas Choir has been a part of the Christmas celebrations for over a decade ever since Bhagawan given the mantle to a former US School Teacher by name Sylvia Alden to conduct the show.

Dressed up in pristine white, over 750 choristers, 216 gents and 556 ladies, with over fifty musicians among them, had occupied the centre-block of the Mandir well in advance of the commencement of the proceedings in the scheduled evening.

An early entry and Bhagawan was in the midst at 1800 hrs., arrived in His car. Moving on, blessing the concourse, Bhagawan was seen tossing Vibhuti packets to devotees at random.

Coming on to the dais Bhagawan blessed some of the seniors from the Christmas group, including John Behner, with Vibhuti prasadam. Bhajans continued until 1830 hrs. when Bhagawan blessed John Behner before lighting the lamp officially inaugurating the programme. The Choir Conductor Sylvia Alden turned up on stage and after a few minutes of interaction, Bhagawan 'green-signalled' the Conductor to commence the Choir.

Three perfect Omkars from over 750 western choristers followed by Ganesha invocation, "Ganaanaam Twa..." and the Choir was on! Bhagawan sat through listening to the choristers singing the glory of the Lord and after forty minutes, with the 12th hymn completed, Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi.

Blessed Prasadam was distributed in between and post Arathi, in a most unexpected move, Bhagawan moved down the aisle posing for photographs with the group. The Choristers were ecstatic as Bhagawan allowed them to converge in a semi-circle around Him, being the centre-point, and hundreds of faces were beaming the joy of being in close proximity.

At 1920 hrs. Bhagawan got into His car retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

May the true spirit of this season fill your life all throughout. 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 

Merry Christmas!!

Its the season to be jolly

Its the season to be merry

Its the season to be spreading the Christmas Cheer!

.

Wish you a Merry Christmas

&

and a very prosperous New Year

*"What is Christmas ? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."

Merry Christmas

WITH BEST REGARDS,

Warm regards,