Interfaith Christmas Celebration 2025
A Celebration of Hope, Joy, and Peace
The Peace Center Lahore organized an Interfaith Christmas Celebration on 19 December 2025 at the Peace Center, Lahore. The event brought together approximately 50 participants from Christian, Muslim, and Hindu communities to celebrate Christmas in a spirit of harmony, mutual respect, and shared joy. This interfaith gathering was a visible sign of unity and peace, reflecting the true message of Christmas — love, reconciliation, and goodwill toward all.
A major highlight of the celebration was the successful completion of the One-Year Christian Youth Faith Formation Program (2025). Thirty Christian youth from different denominations in Lahore completed twelve monthly seminars held throughout the year at the Peace Center.
The program focused on strengthening the faith, spiritual growth, and leadership capacity of Christian youth. During the ceremony, certificates of completion were formally presented to all participating youth in recognition of their dedication and active participation.
The program began with a reading from the Gospel of St. Luke (Luke 2:1–14), recounting the birth of Jesus Christ. The passage was proclaimed by Fr. Rufin Arif OP, setting a prayerful and reflective tone for the celebration.
Christmas carols were beautifully sung by the Dominican brothers and Christian youth, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
Fr. Adil Peter OP delivered the Christmas message, emphasizing that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, came into the world to bring love, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity. He encouraged participants to live according to the values of peace and compassion in their daily lives.
Mr. Asher Nazir, Executive Secretary of Peace Center, invited Fr. James Channan OP to deliver the welcome address.
Fr. James Channan OP warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and participants and extended heartfelt Christmas greetings. In his address, he stated:
“Jesus Christ was born and gave the message of peace and love to the whole world. He is the Prince of Peace, and we follow His teachings. I am happy to see a large number of people from different faiths gathered here today. As Christians, Muslims, and Hindus, we are celebrating Christmas together at the Peace Center. This season calls us to share love, peace, joy, and happiness with one another. May the peace and joy of Christmas remain with us and with the entire world.”
The honourable guests who graced the occasion included: Maulana Asim Makhdoom, Dr. Marqus Fida, Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokar, Mufti Ashiq Hussian, Allama Asim Makhdoom, Syed Nau Bahar Shah, Dr. Saleem Masi Fr. Akhtar Naveed OP, Pastor Nasir, Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhary and Qari Khalid Mehmood.
Their presence demonstrated strong interfaith solidarity and commitment to peacebuilding and social harmony.
Six youth participants shared their reflections and testimonies regarding their year-long formation journey. They expressed sincere gratitude to the Peace Center for providing a structured and meaningful opportunity to grow in their Christian faith.
Throughout twelve monthly seminars, the youth deepened their understanding of Sacred Scripture, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. They reflected on essential Christian values such as forgiveness, unconditional love, compassion, reconciliation, service, and the commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself.”
They shared that the program helped them to:
• Develop a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and reflection.
• Understand the importance of the Sacraments in Christian life.
• Live according to Gospel values in their families, educational institutions, and society.
• Promote peace, tolerance, and harmony in a pluralistic society.
• Respond to social challenges with faith, hope, and courage.
• Take responsible leadership roles within the Church and community.
The youth emphasized that the program not only increased their knowledge of Christian teachings but also strengthened their spiritual identity and moral responsibility. They committed themselves to becoming ambassadors of peace and dialogue, contributing to a more just, compassionate, and harmonious society.
A symbolic Candle of Peace lighting ceremony was held, during which interfaith leaders joined together in prayer and expressed their shared desire for peace and unity.
The Christmas cake-cutting ceremony was led by Fr. James Channan OP along with the interfaith leaders. Christian, Muslim, and Hindu men, women, youth, and children participated joyfully. The atmosphere was filled with happiness, fellowship, and celebration.
The gathering echoed the words of Scripture:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
The entire program was covered by Ibn-e-Mariam TV, which recorded the celebration and its various activities.
The Interfaith Christmas Celebration at Peace Center Lahore was a meaningful and successful event that promoted interreligious harmony, unity, and mutual respect. The program beautifully reflected the true spirit of Christmas — a celebration of peace, love, hope, and joy for all humanity. The Peace Center remains committed to fostering dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths and continues its mission of building bridges of harmony in society.
Prepared by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center, Lahore
