International Choir on Christmas Eve…

International Choir on Christmas Eve…

Lighting up the Christmas Eve, setting in motion Prasanthi Christmas 2013, choristers from all over the globe joined in unison singing ‘Hallelujah’ at Beloved Bhagawan this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Yes, it’s western time again here in Prasanthi Nilayam. No folks, no Country and Western but Western Carols for Christmas.  It’s the time of the blessed birth of the Baby Jesus, commemorating the Advent Of The Son Of God and it means a lot for Westerners… and they do get a chance to strut their stuff for their Beloved Bhagawan.

The programme in this beautiful Christmas Eve commenced in typical Indian style, with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, this time lighting the Christmas Candle, mounted in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. International Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner from the US along with his predecessor Arthur Hilcoat along with International Christmas Decorations Committee Director Tom Lehoy took the privilege of doing the same in Bhagawan’s Divine Presence.

What followed next was an hour-long devotional offering, raising the spirits up, sinking thousands of hearts in the hall in sublime joy, engulfing the whole of Prasanthi in Love and Peace. The Western Choir had in its repertoire for the evening an offering 18 hymns – including, How Great & Hark The Herald of Mozart, Lord Make Us Carry The Light etc. To make sure that they are in harmony with their host country – Blessed Bharat – the Choir had an invocatory incantation on Lord Ganesha, Sri Ganesha Pancharatna Strotram.

In the evening soon after the candle-lighting ceremony, an all-white-team of men and women choristers, with many women in white flower headband, burst into spells of singing following finger ‘baton’ instructions of the conductor Ms Gisela Sebastian from Germany singing a unique ’18 hymns’. The choristers were accompanied by seasoned ‘musicians’ from various countries, who have been continuously perfecting their skills for the past over ten days.

Beginning with the Ganesha Pancharatna Strotram the choir continued with How Great & Hark The Herald, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, God Gave Me A Song, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, Hallelujah…Hallelujah, Lord’s Prayer, My Shepherd, As The Deer… Sai You Are, I Give Myself Away, Hallelujah To The Lord, Silent Night, Someday At Christmas, Lord Make Us Carry The Light, O Tu Rex Gloriae Hallelujah, Blessed The Lord, Oh Dearest Lord Sai Baba, Ave Maria & O Holy Night, Sathya Sai, You Are My Life to end with May All Be Happy… This final song was special for it had an insertion of Musical Piece and a Divine Discourse by Beloved Bhagawan, with Bhagawan assuring His ‘overseas’ children of His eternal blessings…The song insertion was Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah…

With very days of hard work, braving the Indian winter, these choristers had familiarized themselves with 18 new musical pieces – most of them in English – and many of the devotees do not have English as their first language. In addition, there were scores of musicians and to add a final twist of complexity to this ambitious undertaking, most of the people involved were not professional singers or musicians.  They do it, for their Swami…with Swami working through them.

Tomorrow, in the Holy Christmas morning, devotees from Australia would be presenting Christmas Carols in the morning at 0615 hrs. that would be followed by Christmas morning programme at 0820 hrs.

Merry Christmas!!!

International Choir on Christmas Eve Guide

Christmas at Prasanthi Nilayam has always been a unique occasion where people from different nations gather in the spirit of love, unity, and devotion. One such memorable event was the International Choir on Christmas Eve, which brought together devotees from across the world to offer their heartfelt musical tribute to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The atmosphere in Sai Kulwant Hall was filled with joy and sacred anticipation. Devotees from various countries, representing diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, assembled as one family under the loving guidance of Baba. Their collective singing beautifully reflected His teaching that all religions lead to the same Divine goal. The International Choir on Christmas Eve became a living example of universal brotherhood and spiritual harmony.

As the choir members took their places, the hall resonated with melodious Christmas hymns and devotional songs. Every note carried deep love and gratitude for Baba. Dressed in traditional attire from their respective countries, the singers presented a vibrant display of cultural diversity united by a common devotion. Their voices blended seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence that touched every heart present.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that music has the power to elevate the mind and awaken devotion. The choir’s performance reflected this divine principle perfectly. Through sacred songs celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the universal message of love, the devotees offered more than a musical presentation—they offered their hearts at His Lotus Feet.

The significance of the International Choir on Christmas Eve extended beyond the performance itself. It demonstrated how spiritual values transcend geographical boundaries. Devotees from different continents sang together not as individuals from separate nations but as members of one global family. This unity reflected Baba’s vision of a world founded upon love, compassion, and selfless service.

Many devotees experienced profound spiritual joy during the program. The uplifting melodies inspired prayerful contemplation and reminded everyone of the timeless teachings of Jesus and Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Messages of forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, and unconditional love were conveyed through every hymn and chorus.

For readers of Devotional India, such events serve as inspiring reminders of the universal nature of spirituality. They reveal how devotion can unite people from varied backgrounds in a common pursuit of the Divine. The celebration beautifully illustrated Baba’s message that love is the bond connecting all humanity.

The International Choir on Christmas Eve remains a cherished memory in the hearts of devotees who witnessed it. It was not merely a Christmas concert but a sacred offering filled with devotion, gratitude, and spiritual fervor. Through music, the choir conveyed the eternal truth that when hearts are united in divine love, all differences disappear.

Even today, devotees around the world fondly remember this remarkable occasion. Through platforms such as Devotional India, these precious moments continue to inspire seekers to cultivate love, harmony, and devotion in their daily lives, following the universal teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.