City echoes with Merry Christmas.

LAHORE -- The city witnessed a number of congregations, cake-cutting ceremonies and rituals by Christians at churches and other venues to celebrate Christmas, commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The day started with prayers in all churches where a number of people arrived from several parts of the provincial metropolis and adjoin districts. Christians held special services in illuminated churches and also offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country. Residential colonies were decorated with twinkling lights and stars, and baubles such as bells, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons bedecked trees, streets, houses and churches.

Christmas events were organised in all churches of the provincial capital, including Catholic, Protestant and other missionary churches. In the provincial capital, the biggest ceremony for the Catholic school of thought will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Lawrence Road.

The day was began with the enthusiastic exchange of Christmas gifts among the family members and friends besides eating lavish food and sweet dishes specially cooked to celebrate the occasion, the most prominent of them were the Christmas cakes. Santa Claus distributed gifts to people and families and friends visited recreational places including zoo, parks and cinemas etc.Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar also hosted a special ceremony and cut the Christmas cake along with Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Ijaz Alam and other members of the cabinet. He said that religious minorities, including the Christian community, played an important role in national development and their services are praiseworthy.

Main prayers and Christmas cake-cutting ceremonies were held at Naulakha Church, Cathedral Church, Saint Merry Church, Sacred Heart Church and Muqaddasa Maryam Church. Lahore Bishop Imran Jameel led Lahore's biggest Christmas ceremony at Cathedral Church and spoke to a number of participants. 'It is the time to...