Christian Aid Director Dr Daleep Mukarji in his Christmas message has urged people of all faiths to remember the real meaning of Christmas amid today's growing commercialism and consumerism.

He says: "I think the true meaning of Christmas has already been forgotten in a society where the supermarkets have made Christmas into a commercial and social event.

"The heart of Christmas and its real meaning where God called for peace and justice has been lost. Consumerism distracts from that message and Christmas cards and Christmas music have become too commercial."

He adds: "Most of us concerned about religious and faith issues recognise it is a time for family and fun and eating and we must not decry that, but we must keep it proportional. Christmas must be successful when people can renew themselves and know there's a sense of love and community back in their lives.

"Christmas is a religious event, a time for families to gather and time for hope and peace. It is about God's gift of good news with the angels' message of peace, goodwill and justice in today's world where there is so much conflict, poverty and disaster.

"We must always keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year and take the message of joy and hope into the New Year. It's a time for people of all faiths to come together and share in love, friendship and fellowship."

On his hopes for 2008, Dr Mukarji added: "I always hope for peace, justice and a better world."