(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Christian expats across Dubai celebrated Christmas on Monday, thankful for the graces they have received from God in the year past.
Indian couple and Dubai residents Delilah and Manuel brought their four-month-old baby Abner, whom they describe as a gift from God for which they have been praying for five years, to St Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha early Christmas morning.
Both of them took a day off from work and, together with grandpa Sebastian, decided to celebrate the religious holiday with a sumptuous brunch after attending a mass.
Filipino expat Ginalyn Abdala spent the day at work but she told Khaleej Times that she had a memorable Christmas Eve celebration with friends. "I was also able to speak with my parents and cousins in the Philippines on Sunday night and we shared fond memories when I was still able to spend Christmas back home," she said.
Despite living away from their families, Fr. Chito Bartolo, Filipino priest at St Mary's, said: "The spirit of Christmas joy is inherent in every Filipino which we carry wherever we may be. This is the same spirit that sustains us in facing life's challenges away from our families and motherland. We celebrate Christmas with happiness in life."
Another Dubai resident Theodore Lazaro Tejado, who is a member of Faith Baptist International Church, said: "With sumptuous meals, singing, dancing to your heart's content and many more was how we celebrated Christmas in Dubai. Although it was a bit 'subtle' compared to how we celebrated back home yet the same degree of happiness was still felt."
Over at Christ Church in Jebel Ali, Anglican parish priest Revd. Tim Heaney shared the power of music, particularly Christmas songs and carols, which connect people of various races and cultures.
He added that the spirit of Christmas is about giving, sharing and breaking down cultural barriers. "We are always thankful that we (Christians) are able to freely celebrate Christmas with joy and happiness," he added.
Angel Tesorero
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