Christmas festivities have gripped the country and abroad. Thousands of Christian pilgrims and tourists from around the world are flocking to Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born more than two thousand years ago.

Celebrations there will culminate in Midnight Mass at the 1,700-year-old Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus was born. Outside, carol-singing crowds have been gathering around a 50-foot Christmas tree in Manger Square.

At home, special services and masses are being held in the capital and across the country tonight.

In Goa Prayer meetings will be held at midnight in all churches for global peace and communal harmony. The solemn Eucharistic services will be preceded by carol singing and chiming of bells to mark the birth of Christ.

The President, Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas. In her message, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said, Christmas proclaims Lord Jesus Christ's message of love and sacrifice, compassion and service, courage and humility, peace and harmony.

In his message Vice President Hamid Ansari said that Christmas is an occasion to imbibe the divine teachings of Lord Jesus Christ and spread joy and happiness.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is an occasion to celebrate and imbibe Lord Christ's message of love, compassion and forgiveness.