"O my cloud-coloured Christ, come!"
The unique Christmas celebration of Bibek Anander Satsang was started many years ago at the Calcutta Centre by Acharya Sri Gour Baba himself. Gopa-ma would dress him in a bright red shawl and white woollen cap - the same red shawl with which his snowy image was draped today in the 2009 Christmas prarthana at the Calcutta Centre. Like children we would all await chocolates and blessings from our 'Dadubhai'at the Christmas prayer. He would teach us about Christ's life and message in the context of the present Age. Candles and cakes and his favourite red roses lit up the little room in Ananda building where he held court like that other king of hearts, Lord Jesus. He would tell us of Jesus's ideal of service, purity and love. He reminded us that Jesus, Sri Ramakrishna and Mahaprabhu were the only three people in the modern Kaliyuga who had experienced the ecstasy of escstasies - mahabhaava - seventeen times; such was the power of Prema or Divine Love they possessed. Then would be the time for dance and song - Gour Baba would insist, in his irresistibly attractive child-like manner, that all should dance. Thus it was that every one, from age six to sixty would dance to old and new Christmas tunes. The tradition of a joyful and meaningful Christmas prayer continues unbroken at the Calcutta Centre to this day. Today, in 2009, too, people from all religions participated, feasted and sang and danced all day long in pure childlike joy - it was evident that Gour Baba was among us today, 25th December 2009 - everyone felt the presence of his holy spirit, sharing in the happiness of Christmas with us. Merry Christmas to all devotees across India and the world!
