December 25, 2006

In the afternoon, Swami arrived at around 3.45 pm and sat onstage for a few minutes listening to the Vedic chants. Then the speakers of the afternoon were announced by Mr. John Behner, the South American Zonal Co-ordinator, who also narrated how Swami had recently healed his eye without surgery. The first speaker was Mr. Arthur Hillcoate. In his brief talk, he exhorted all his Sai brothers and sisters to follow Bhagawan's teachings and fulfil their lives. The next speaker was Father Charles Ogada from Nigeria, currently teaching at the Sathya Sai School in Zambia. Father Charles spoke very movingly about how the Lord came into his life and prayed that the entire world may have the blessing of coming to Bhagawan. Swami was very happy and materialized a chain for him after his speech. After these talks, Bhagawan sat for a while, gazed at the overflowing Sai Kulwant Hall and finally got up to deliver His Divine Message at 4.50 pm.

Swami's began by saying that there is no difference between Him and us, and just like the bouquet of flowers in His hand, all humanity is One. He narrated the delight of the devotees He met in Africa, and spoke of the love and tolerance exhibited by the wildlife there, saying that nowadays men are behaving like animals and animals are behaving like men should! Concluding His hour long Discourse, Swami asked for Bhajans to commence. After fifteen minutes of Bhajans, Swami accepted Arati from Mr. Behner and Father Charles, and retired for the day.