The teachings of Jesus Christ are summarised in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those w ho mourn, for they will be com­forted,

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of   God."

(Mathew: 5,3-10)

Jesus  Christ  proclaimed  as the  Messiah was born in Bethlehem, presently in Palestine. Although the exact date of his birth is not clear, it is commonly accepted that present Christian calender, which is universally followed, started with the birth of Jesus Christ. Through his teachings Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God. His preferred company was the poor, children, women and the disinherited. In order to extend his activity, he gathered around himself an itinerant band of disciples.

Jesus ran up against the incomprehension of the crowds, the jealous suspicion of the religious leaders, the political astuteness of Herod Antipas, unyielding conflict with the Sadduceean and Pharisaic authorities. He was arrested, probably by Roman troops, and the prefect Pilate, judged him to be an agitator who had disturbed public order by claiming to be the king of the Jews, condemning him to be crucified. Jesus died on the cross and was buried. When the Sabbath was over the disciples discovered his tomb was empty and went forth pro­claiming that Jesus had risen and had appeared to them. Then, the history of Jesus gave way to the history  of the Christian Church.

During the course of last 2000 years, Christianity has  spread  to  all  the  continents.  The  Catholic, Orthodox  and the  Protestant  Churches  administer the spiritual services of Christians all over the world. In the spirit of Christ's message of love, the Church has taken upon herself to put into practice the teachings of  Jesus  by serving humanity  in the  fields  of health and education. Christianity spread far and wide through the disciples of Jesus.  It is believed that one of the twelve disciples St. Thomas came to South India in 52 AD and spread Christianity in India.

The Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches are preparing for the global celebration of 2000 years jubilee of Christ's birth, of which the 'Yesu Krist Jayanti 2000' forms part. The celebration signify liberation from various forces that imprison people in the world today, reconciliation and an opening to new beginnings. They also emphasise the need for an inter-religious dialogue to bring about universal peace. The stamp  design  portrays the theme 'Towards a New Society'. The outer Circle with the rays in pink symbolizes  the  rising sun. The year 2000 brings a new dawn. The globe in green stands for the world which is filled with a new hope. The theme of universal peace, symbolized by the hand of Christ in Upadesa Mudra posture.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative stamp on the 'Yesu Krist Jayanti 2000' celebrations.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India