It was a regular winter morning covered with fog. But somehow, the rising sun seemed quite different to me.  I along with few of my other colleagues had a sleepless night decorating the stage for the next morning’s Pre-Christmas programme and was eagerly waiting for the morning sun to rise.  Each and every one of us on the Chandpur TCDC staff had worked hard preparing for this day and now time has almost come to unveil the curtain of the programme.  I was very excited, just as I used to be during my childhood days before any special occasion.

The programme started in due time.  I looked around and found all my colleagues and their children with happy faces.  Gradually, all the invited guests started to appear: our project advisory committee members, a representative from BANZAid, government officials from local authorities, representatives from church etc.  There was no hesitation, no confusion, and no religious misunderstandings in that moment.  It seemed as if everyone was anxious to celebrate together!

We started our programme through praise and worship.  Then one by one the invited guests gave their Christmas greetings.  The Christmas message given to us was an inspiring one.  It reminded me of my job responsibilities and that I am an angel of peace.

After the greetings, we distributed Christmas cake among everyone and then we sung carols, did a gift exchange and had more fun.  Everyone participated with a joyful heart and made the programme really memorable.  But the most important thing was that my heart felt, it was a great opportunity for us to share the true message of Christmas with everyone present, the birth of Jesus sent to bring peace on earth.  I believe the Christmas spirit touched all the people in the programme that day and made it a ‘shining light’ for Chandpur TCDC staff to remember for long days to come.

Shishir Baidya
Community Development Organizer for Gunorajdi centre