X-mas preparations: Santa Claus is coming to town. . . maybe

Churches concerned about loadshedding, yet morale is high.

LAHORE:

“People are concerned that while during Eid holidays there is no electricity shortage we are facing power shortages right in the middle of Christmas season,” said Reverend Majid Abel of the Naulakha Church on Empress Road. Churches around the city have elaborate plans for Christmas but many are fearful that the holiday season will suffer because of power cuts.

“Mostly we have family programmes. We have Christmas themed plays, caroling at churches and on December 18 we had our Christmas lunch,” the Reverend said. He added that there were community activities planned for Christmas eve and new year’s eve, along with a  fun fair on new year. “The police have been responsive in terms of security but loadshedding is an issue. I wish it had started one week later,” he said,

St Andrews Church Minister Reverend Irshad John said, “Every Pakistani reveres Christ and Christmas. Yet, there has always been discrimination against Christians. We have the same rights as everyone else.  We grew up here and are working here.”

“We have contributed for the country since its creation. It was also to be a homeland for minorities,” said the cleric.

Asif Caleb, the pastor at the Foreman Christian College church International Christian Fellowship, said “Christians are celebrating with the same fervour as always.  The political climate is terrible but there is joy in our hearts.”

He said, “Circumstances affect the way we live but we have enough freedom to celebrate. Economic issues impact us more than political ones.”

Elishba Karis Abel, a Christian citizen, said, “As Christmas approaches, I always wonder if there will be gas to do baking and electricity to light the tree.”

“The last time I checked we were as Pakistani as the next person so how about throwing some good cheer our way?” mused Abel.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2011.