| Sun, Dec 26, 2010: International Children gave a 'biblical welcome' to Bhagawan this evening, at 1910 hrs. leading Him in a procession to the Sai Kulwant Hall. Children in colourful costumes, representing various biblical characters, led the procession to the accompaniment of soft tunes of traditional Christmas songs. 
Coming into the hall Bhagawan went for a complete round, blessing the 'biblical characters' moving at a slow pace. Many of them were carrying various Christmas paraphernalias that were blessed by Bhagawan while on the move.  Coming on stage at 1930 hrs. Bhagawan sat on for next forty five minutes. Most of the time Bhagawan was busy with the "day's mail" from devotees while bhajans went on in the background. At 1955 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi and continued with 'devotees' mail' for some more time, till 2015 hrs. when Bhagawan left the dais, leaving for Yajur Mandiram. 
Blessed prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Bhagawan was seen tossing Vibhuti packets to many in between, a delightful scene for the devotees, watching The Lord in action! He even interacted with Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner blessing him with Vibhuti Prasadam. Mon, Dec 27, 2010: The grand finale of the three day Christmas celebrations witnessed little children from around the world taking the centre-stage singing and enacting the glory of Jesus and Sathya Sai. When two programmes, an International Children Choir and a Musical Play, that were scheduled for the previous evening got postponed as 'willed' by Bhagawan, this 'fresh-week' evening found a 'combined programme' setting a grand finale for the Christmas 2010 celebrations. Bhagawan arrived just after 1820 hrs. and the hall was full. Covering the ladies' end Bhagawan's car took a detour moving out, only to return after ninety minutes. Coming on stage, initial blessings followed before the commencement of the programme. John Behner, International Christmas Committee Coordinator along with Alma Badings, the Choir Conductor from the Netherlands and the Drama Director Victoria Hargreaves from the US took blessings. | |  | | click to enlarge |
The Programme entitled 'The Spirit of Christmas' was an enactment of the life of Jesus Christ. Set against the backdrop of a Christian home in the thick of Christmas celebrations, the presentation was centred around a little boy, Billy, who, having lost faith, was disinterested in the whole of the festive affair. His Family got into prayer mode seeking Swami's intervention and in response came Billy's Guardian Angel and the Spirit of the Past, taking the boy to Bethlehem to the times of Jesus.
The boy was to witness the most sacred of the lives, that of Jesus! The Spirit of the Past took him to the lively scenes prior to the birth of Jesus, Baby Jesus in the Manger and his growing up into a man teachings and preachings as a guiding star. The boy was overjoyed, having witnessed the 'life of the past master'. Adding to his joy, Spirit of the Present joined Billy introducing him to his Guardian Angel. …And it was time for the big 'initiation'. Guardian Angel shared with the little one about Sathya Sai Baba and His Teachings. Leading the boy unto the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam, he was given further enlightenment on "unity in diversity" and "Fatherhood of God".
Finally the 'dream run' ended and Billy woke up to the Christmas morning. Faith was restored and Billy was transformed! ...and Billy vowed to Love and Serve everyone with a prayer to The Lord to "bless us, bless everyone!"
Soon Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the children. Coming on stage, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. "Samastha Lokaaha..." was repeated yet again for a second time at His special instance and blessing the concourse Bhagawan left the dais, retiring to Yajur Mandiram just after 2100 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Earlier in the morning, as part of the Christmas celebrations, a Multi-Faith Worship Programme was organised at the double decker building, next to the Book Centre. Titled as "We Are One", the programme had representation from all major religions, namely, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism etc. Presided over by Fr. Charles Ogada of Nigeria, donning the mantle of Master of Ceremonies, the programme that had good turnout of devotees had light meditation session, Universal Prayer, Holy Communion and Prasad distribution. 
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
More Christmas Updates
Earlier in the morning, as part of the Christmas celebrations, a Multi-Faith Worship Programme was organised at the double decker building, next to the Book Centre. Titled as "We Are One", the programme had representation from all major religions, namely, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism etc. Presided over by Fr. Charles Ogada of Nigeria, donning the mantle of Master of Ceremonies, the programme that had good turnout of devotees had light meditation session, Universal Prayer, Holy Communion and Prasad distribution.
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