Some Zimbabweans failed to buy goodies this year due to the cash crisis gripping the country. (Photo/Courtesy Photo)
Zimbabweans, World Leaders Mark Christmas Holiday
WASHINGTON DC —
Zimbabweans on Wednesday joined millions of Christians the world over in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
It was a day of worship for many Christians in most parts of the country with hundreds flocking to various churches to start their annual festive season holiday.
At the same time, it was a time of giving and reunion for Zimbabweans who spend most of their time apart due to work commitments in the country and abroad.
Studio 7’s Blessing Zulu spoke to some Zimbabweans celebrating Christmas in various parts of the country.
World and religious leaders marked the December 25 Christmas holiday with celebrations and messages to their supporters. Some leaders focused on peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 25, 2013.
As he stood on the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis focused on some of the world's hot spots as he delivered his first "Urbi et Orbi" message to the city and world.
He said "too many lives have been shattered" by the conflict in Syria. He called for "social harmony" to be fostered in South Sudan. And he expressed hope for a "favorable outcome" to peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Pilgrims from around the world have gathered for religious celebrations in Bethlehem. The Palestinian West Bank town is the biblical birthplace of Jesus.
At a Christmas eve service, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal offered a message of hope. "Our message is a message of love and peace and brotherhood between all of us. Happy new year to you all," he said.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth receives flowers from children as she leaves a Christmas Day morning service at the church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England, Dec. 25, 2013.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth has delivered her annual Christmas message to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She said Christmas can be a time of reflection.
"Reflection can take many forms, when families and friends come together at Christmas, it is often a time for happy memories and reminiscing. Our thoughts are with those who we have loved who are no longer with us," she said.
In his Christmas message, U.S. President Barack Obama paid tribute to U.S. troops stationed overseas.
"Our extraordinary men and women in uniform are serving so that the rest of us can enjoy the blessings we cherish during the holidays. But that means many of our troops are far from home and far from family," he stated.
