Christmas is a time that brings hope in a world still shaken by turmoil and war, Christians have been told at services in the UAE.
Hundreds of thousands are attending Christmas services in languages including English, Arabic, Hindi and Tagalog at churches, from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah.
From midnight mass to dozens of services on Thursday, which is Christmas Day, family and friends have been gathering for one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.
At St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, the church complex was thronged with people for midnight mass.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, told the Roman Catholic congregation that Christmas is a moment of huge hope “in this world still so shaken by turmoil and war”.
He said Jesus being born in a “hut of humility” was important to remember: “He did not want to impose himself through force and violence, as we often see the powerful of this world do, but he chose the path of humility so that we might welcome him freely and not out of fear. This child born in a stable is the hope of the world. He brings us light, peace and reconciliation.”
Christmas Eve Mass in Abu Dhabi - in pictures
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Father Chito, Parish Priest of St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi, during the 8pm Christmas Eve Mass. All photos by Victor Besa / The National -
Worshippers during Christmas Eve Mass at St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi -
Tens of thousands of faithful are expected to come in to pray at the country’s oldest church through Christmas Day -
The church reflects the multicultural tapestry of the UAE -
Families and friends bowed their heads and recited prayers in unison -
Worshippers at St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi. Places of worship are creating memorable experiences that blend reverence with festivity
According to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church covering UAE, Oman and Yemen, about 800,000 worshippers will gather in parishes for all Christmas services, with 200,000 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai alone.
The faithful turned out as early as 5.30am at the church in Oud Metha for the first Mass on Christmas Day.
So large were the crowds that screens were set up outside the church to broadcast the service. Bells rang out and the sound of hymns drifted from the church into the streets. The faithful lit candles at shrines and bowed their heads in quiet prayer.
"It is really nice here and I wish I could stay much longer," said Ranula, a Sri Lankan resident, who had come to church after finishing his night shift at work.
"I wish I could be with friends but it is relaxing to come here. It feels right to come to church at Christmas."
Saiju KP, from India, who has lived in the UAE for more than 20 years, also attended the Christmas Day service with his family. "If you don’t come here, you don’t feel like it is Christmas. It feels like Christmas here."
He said the festive period was all about joy, love and sharing. "To come [here], it brings us closer to church and home and community, and family is a part of this."
Teams of ushers were out in force from early morning to ensure people attending the services could access the compound.
"It is like a first home for me and the second home is an office," said Jenash George, a captain of ushers at the church. "Once my office work is done I come here,” he said with a chuckle.
Across the UAE, churches have been decorated for the festive season. Tree-lighting ceremonies, carol services and special devotional masses have made this Christmas one to remember.
Fr Kent Middleton, chaplain at St Luke Anglican Church in Ras Al Khaimah, told the congregation that Christmas is a time when light shines in darkness. Hundreds are expected there for Christmas services throughout the day.
“At a time when many feel the strain of uncertainty, division and loneliness, Christmas invites us to rediscover what truly matters: kindness given freely, reconciliation pursued boldly and care extended to both neighbour and stranger alike,” said Fr Middleton.
“May this holy season bring for us moments of stillness, unexpected joy and the assurance that small acts of goodness can brighten even the darkest of places. Through our Christmas celebrations and the new year ahead, may peace fill our hearts and our homes.”
In his annual Christmas message sent on Wednesday, Bishop Martinelli said he hoped Christmas would bring peace.
“Please, offer a gesture of peace today within your families, exchange a sign of peace with a friend, an acquaintance and even with those with whom you may had some rough experience,” he said. "Because today, Jesus, our hope, the prince of peace, was born.
“May this Christmas bring peace among the peoples in war and consolation to the afflicted.”
