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hristmas was observed in Bali peacefully without any significant security disturbances.

Churches across the resort island were fully packed with devotees commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Speaking before the annual gathering of Balinese Hinduism’s most progressive clan-based organization on Sunday morning, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika urged Balinese Hindus to learn compassion from their Christian brethren.

“It is time for us, for the Balinese Hindus, to be reflective and to look to the Christians for examples,” he said at the opening ceremony of the annual congress of the Maha Gotra Pasek Sanak Sapta Rsi, an organization that boasts millions of members across Indonesia.

Pastika said Christians had immersed themselves in the liturgical aspect of their religion and translated their religion into concrete, real-life actions that benefitted others.

“The Christians have focused their ‘religious’ actions into helping the poor, improving education and providing healthcare to the disadvantaged,” Pastika said.

On the other hand, he added, Balinese Hindus spent most of their energy on the ritualistic elements of their religion, ranging from renovating temples to organizing expensive, elaborate rituals.

Citing the teachings on the Panca Yadnya, the five holy offerings a Balinese Hindu must make, Pastika said Balinese Hindus were fixated on offerings to the gods and natural forces and neglecting their fellow human beings.

“We have to increase our efforts to provide service and assistance to other human beings, our brothers and sisters who are poor and disadvantaged,” he said.

At GPIB Maranatha Denpasar church, more than 5,000 Christians attended services, which started at
6 p.m. on Saturday.

“We have a series of Christmas celebrations here, on Dec. 24, 25 31, and on New Year’s Day,” Rev. Adriano Wangkay said on Sunday.

“We call on Christians to create peace starting from themselves, and spread it to the surrounding community, to all people, regardless of their cultural and religious backgrounds,” Adriano said.

On Dec. 27, the church, together with all GPIB churches in Bali, will hold celebrations with a Balinese culture theme in Kepaon, Denpasar.

This celebration will be held as an expression of gratitude that there have been no religious clashes in the predominantly Hindu island since Christians arrived.

“There will be various performances of Balinese traditional dances. People attending the event will wear traditional Balinese attire,” Adriano said.

While most churches in Bali began celebrations on Saturday, the Global Church in Nusa Dua celebrated Christmas for one day, on Dec. 18.

The celebration, led by Rev. Lee Carlson, was attended mostly by foreigners.

The celebration was only held for one day, as parishioners believed that celebrating Christmas should not have to begin on Dec. 24 or 25, but could be anytime in December, and that there was no obligation to celebrate it on a certain date.