Christmas Eve in Amritapuri swelled with an ocean of joyful hearts as people from across India and around the world gathered to celebrate. It was the first time since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic that attendance returned to its usual high levels — a homecoming for many who had not seen Amma since 2019.
The evening featured a vibrant stage show drawing on many cultural traditions. Santa Claus made an appearance, followed by performances on mindfulness and care for the environment, a Mexican Mariachi band, Bharatanatyam dancers portraying Mother Kali, and Broadway-style tributes to Amma's universal message of compassion.
In her Christmas message, Amma reflected that the day commemorates Christ's coming to relieve suffering.
Jesus continues to live to this day in the hearts of devotees all over the world. The footprints of such Mahatmas may not be visible on the grounds that they walked. But they remain unfadingly imprinted in human hearts.
— Amma
Recalling Jesus's teaching to "love your neighbour as yourself," Amma urged everyone to "adorn the holy manger of our hearts with the flowers of love, compassion, patience, and self-surrender." The celebration closed with devotional chanting and the traditional distribution of chocolate cake as prasad.
