ICC Note:
Despite living in one of the most dangerous countries to be identified a Christian, the Christian community of Pakistan is making preparations to celebrate Christmas. Recognized as an official holiday by the Pakistani government, Christmas is a time in which both Christians and other religious groups can celebrate together. Unfortunately, Christmas for some Christian communities in Pakistan will be less festive. The Christian community in Peshawar is said to be planning a “silent Christmas” to the grief the community continues to feel following the bombing of All Saints Church in September. Please pray for all Christians celebrating Christmas in Pakistan this year.   
12/18/2013 Pakistan (Daily Times) – With a few days left in Christmas, the Christian community in the twin cities has started making preparations for celebrating the event.
Sweet-sellers make special Christmas cakes with greetings that people gift each other to show love and care. Shopkeepers have also established stalls of Christmas cards and other related items to attract maximum customers.
The youth are interested in buying Christmas cards and gifts to show their love. Many can be seen composing songs to be sung at functions in connection with Christmas. Despite alarming inflation, the shopping for Christmas is in full swing, as the followers of Christ want the occasion to be celebrated as a special day.
Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus celebrated on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world.
Christmas, a civil holiday in many of the world’s nations, is also celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians and is an integral part of the holiday season. In Pakistan, including the capital, Muslims also express solidarity with the Christians on the occasion.
…
[Full Story]