Atlanta,
Jan 2013: The First Asian Indian Baptist Church of Metro Atlanta
(FAIBC) celebrated Christmas this year on December 25th, 2012 with
great joy and preparations. The Church has from its beginnings in 1992
followed the sub-continental tradition of honoring the birth of Jesus
on the day the Holy Father’s determined that Christ was born.
“These
celebrations are more of a community celebration, as the majority of
the South Asian community of Metro Atlanta attends the service. Over
the years, weather has often not cooperated, but the joy of Christmas
helps people of love and goodwill to assemble, and celebrate the birth
of Jesus, who was prophesized hundreds of years earlier as ‘The
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of
Peace, ” said Pastor Younis Farhat of FAIBC.
Leaders
of the community and friends were present at Elizabeth Baptist Church
for a wonderful, musical celebration; the choir and worship team of
FAIBC presented great and joyous music. Sharoon Farhat, who excels as a
musician and worship leader lead a great celebration of Christmas music
in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. Well known community singers Dr.
Gyanlakshmi Rao and Johnson Macdonal presented wonderful solos to the
audience; and a performance by children thrilled the hearts of everyone
present. Following the service, a fellowship meal was served. The meal
consisted of both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and was
tastefully prepared by Swapna restaurant. During this time, friends
shared, talked, and renewed their relationships. A Christmas
cake-cutting is an integral part of these celebrations. Santa Claus
always makes an appearance, to the joy of the children he presents them
with gifts.
In his message, Pastor Farhat shared that Christmas
is special because in this event we see how God reveals His eternal
love for all people. While Jesus was concerned for the nation of
Israel, He showed God’s love for all races and nations of people on
Earth. The angels sang the Gloria at His birth and proclaimed, “Glory
to God in the highest and on Earth peace to Men…”, (Luke 2:14).
Pastor
Farhat concluded his message by reminding the congregation that we have
now begun a tradition of buying gifts for ourselves. We must learn to
give gifts to those who are in need, and who can never give us a gift
in return, we must love and care for anyone in need, anywhere in the
world, irrespective of their religious persuasions and pray for Peace
on Earth.
Christmas Celebrations are now hosted in two places
each year by FAIBC. An earlier celebration was arranged in Chattanooga,
Tennessee for the South Asian Community on Saturday, December 16, 2012
at First Baptist Lakeview and was enthusiastically attended by the
community. Singing and Praise along with the celebration of birthdays
and wedding anniversaries of those present were also recognized.
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