New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Dec 24, 2003) greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message, the President said, "Christmas is a beautiful and happy day. The day comes with the message of peace for the home, the nation and the world. Jesus Christ taught humanity about giving peace and happiness to others. Let me wish on this occasion happiness and peace to every family in the country and those living abroad."

Greeting the people, Shekhawat said, "Christ showed us the noble path of peace, love, non-violence and tolerance for realising the kingdom of God on earth. His teachings have the power to provide spiritual solace to the humanity by lifting us all from turmoil and moral decay.

"Christmas reminds us of the essence of the teachings of this great apostle for the larger good of mankind," he said.

Vajpayee in his message said the festival symbolises the values of giving and forgiving, of sacrifice, reconciliation, doing one's best for the suffering people and their well being. "May the chime of the bells bring peace, prosperity and happiness to every heart and hearth," he said.