DEEPAGAM, DECEMBER 21, 2024: Deepagam Collaborators together with office team celebrated the Christmas Celebration on December 21, 2024 at Deepagam Hall on the Christmas Eve. The celebrating-family consisted of Deepaga Sudar Contributors, Sound and Light Artists, Part-time Animators, Yillam-Thedi-Yirai-Arasu Group together with their family and children.

The celebration began with a prayer service by reading nativity passage from the gospel (Lk 1:26-38) followed by classical Tamil Carol hymn: Kanni Eendra Selvame Em Mannil Vantha Dheivame (கன்னி ஈன்ற செல்வமே எம் மண்ணில் வந்த தெய்வமே!)

Mr. Devaraj (on invitation) gave the Christmas message by asking each and every one two simple questions: Are you joyful? If yes, why? If no, why? To which each responded personally to all. Some of the salient remarks were: “God is being with us and so we are happy.” “We have good and positive relationship, which make us happy.” “We all come together and share joy.” “We are happy because, Jesus is guiding and walking with us”.

To which, Mr. Devaraj told the gathering, “Today, 98% of the people are unhappy. Because no one shares the joy with others. Behind every Christmas celebration is ‘God the Father’s Love’ revealed in act of self-giving of His only Son.” He added, “Let it be the celebration of relationship – relational experience. For example, after the Angel’s Annunciation, Blessed Virgin Mary’s first act was visiting her cousin Elizabeth. But, today, we have the specter of elders and children living their lonely life in the society.”

To keep up with the spirit of Christmas, someone sang, அதி காலையில் பாலனை தேடி, வாரீர் நாம் செல்வோம். Deepagam conducted a group dynamic game: Picture-based puzzle of Hymn Titles. There was dance by little girls and two one-minute plays. Mr. Michael Raj pointed out to the community that Jesus was born poor; he also brought to notice of the Muslim brothers who fast as a preparation for their welcoming God in their life.

Fr. Jesudoss played accordion to the Tamil Carol song: பெத்தலையில் பிறந்தவரை போற்றி துதி மனமே. Concluding the celebration, he thanked all and remarked that joyful time can be joyful at all times, for which, we must be fulfilled. The gathering was like a quasi-parish community formed by the Deepagam’s various catechetical initiatives. The celebration concluded with sharing of Christmas gift, taking memory snapshots and a humble fellowship meal at the ‘Deepagam Entrance’.