The President, the Vice president and the Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas. In a message, the President, Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said that the day symbolizes a yearning of humanity for lasting peace and joy. The Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari said that the day symbolises a very significant truth of life. He said that values like peace, love, compassion and tolerance have the power to transform our lives and bring hope in troubled times. In his message, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Christmas is a celebration of the spirit of brotherhood and an opportunity to spread joy and share happiness. He said that the festival also underlines the need to follow the ideals of sacrifice, service, redemption and love and compassion.