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ISLAMABAD: The Christian community in Pakistan will celebrate the Christmas with religious fervour as elsewhere in the world today, Thursday.

The churches and Christian localities have been profusely decorated with colourful buntings and lights to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Special services and prayers will be held in churches to mark this historic day in a most befitting manner. The celebrations have already begun a week ago with Christmas tableau in various churches, carol singing.

The Christmas mass started at midnight Wednesday. Morning service will be held at he main churches of the country. The festivities of the day are also marked with the family get-togethers.

Celebrations

Christmas celebrations start with midnight service at all churches, tastefully illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees and bells.

According to tradition, this is the time to ask for forgiveness from God Almighty and pray for your family and the well-being of the motherland. The day starts with jingling of bells, glittering Christmas trees stockings and X-mas carol songs from the early morning of Dec 25.

Family Re-union

Christmas is an event of family re-union when dear and near ones are normally gathered at the home of their elders to celebrate the eve.

Members of Christian community also share their love and happiness with the poor, destitute and homeless on this auspicious occasion of Christmas.

Childern n' Youth

For children, the day is a time for collecting gifts, tastefully wrapped and placed under the Christmas trees at the homes of all aunts and uncles.

Various programmes including fairs and cultural show for the community have also been arranged by the different Christian youth groups and educational institutions.

Congregations

Like elsewhere in Pakistan, in the twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad the major congregations will be held at the St. Joseph Cathedral, St. Paul, St. Andrew Church, Church of Pakistan and Fatima Church besides prayers at other churches.

X-mas Tree

Like yester years, a 50-feet high evergreen bathed in glorious golden glaze, with sparking "Star" atop within premises of St. Joseph Cathedral has been decorated as a "Christmas tree" by Nikodemas youth group.

A large number of people are visiting Lalkurti Church where the tree is rooted, presenting a spectacular look in the backdrop of an equally tastefully decorated church.