Message of Congratulations on the Anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him)

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I extend my congratulations on the birth of the great divine prophet, Jesus Christ, to all Christians and Muslims, especially to our Christian compatriots. This noble messenger, like all the great prophets of God, was a harbinger of human happiness and a bearer of the banner of monotheism and human dignity, and today humanity needs this saving message more than ever.

This year, in the Balkans, a group of those who falsely associate themselves with Jesus Christ have tainted the celebration of the birth of that protector of the oppressed with the blood of thousands of innocent Muslim women, children, and men, committing a great injustice. It is astonishing that throughout the Christian world, none of the powerful were willing to take a step in the path of Christ's call and take serious action to save the oppressed Bosnians. The world under the power of global arrogance, the world enamored with the culture of wealth and force, and the world afflicted by Western teachings, today cannot watch all these crimes with indifference and at the same time consider themselves followers of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them).

In another part of this misguided world, the bloodthirsty Zionists have created a new disaster. They have exiled several hundred of the best children of bleeding Palestine from their homes and homeland. Now, in the cold winter and during the days and nights of the birth of the saving Christ, in Europe and the Middle East, the Serbs and Zionists, who are associated with two religions, have opened the way to disaster by following the religion of force, oppression, and global arrogance. It is time for all true followers of monotheistic religions; all Muslims, Christians, and compassionate Jews, to take any appropriate and possible action to confront these crimes. This is the sign of following the prophets and the true gratitude for the blessed birth of Jesus Christ.

It is hoped that divine grace and the attention of the Promised Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) will support those who follow the call of reason and religion.

Peace be upon the righteous servants of God

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

11/10/71