Shambhu had a catholic view of religion. He used to read the Bible to Sri Ramakrishna, and in this way the Master learned about Christ and Christianity. Although the Master did not care for the Christian emphasis on sin, the desire came to him to realize God through the Christian path. One day he went to Jadu Mallick’s garden house, which was adjacent to the temple garden. In the parlour of this house there were many pictures of holy persons, including one of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus sitting on her lap. While the Master was looking at it, he felt that the figures of the Mother and Child were awakened, and that rays of light emanated from them and entered his heart. He returned to the temple garden in an entirely new mood and for three days was permeated by the ideal and personality of Christ. During this period he did not even go to the temple to salute the Divine Mother. Near the end of the third day, while he was walking in the Panchavati, he saw a tall foreign-looking man walking towards him. The man had a beautiful face with large, brilliant eyes, while the tip of his nose was a little flat. At first the Master wondered who this person could be. Then a voice from within told him, “This is Jesus Christ, the great yogi, the loving son of God, one with his Father, who shed his heart’s blood and suffered tortures for the salvation of mankind.” Jesus then embraced Sri Ramakrishna and merged into his body. This vision convinced the Master that Jesus was a Divine Incarnation. (Source: They Lived with God)
During Christmas time Brahmananda asked Sister Devamata to arrange a Christmas party in Western fashion. She could not get a Christmas tree, but she bought a plum cake, glacé fruits, and other items from an English shop. The boys brought green branches from the jungle and bound them to the pillars in the hall and decorated the entrance with mango leaves and garlands. A Christmas altar was set up, and bread and wine were offered as a symbol of the Christian Eucharist. Sister Devamata narrated the event:
Swami Brahmananda asked me to read the story of Christ’s birth and I chose the account of Saint Luke. When I finished reading, the intense stillness in the air led me to look toward Swami Brahmananda. His eyes were open and fixed on the altar, there was a smile on his lips, but it was evident that his consciousness had gone to a higher plane. No one moved or spoke. At the end of twenty minutes or more the look of immediate seeing returned to his eyes and he motioned to us to continue the service. Lights, incense and burning camphor were waved before the altar, the evening chant and hymn were sung, all those present bowed in silent prayer and the Christmas Service was ended.
As he was eating he remarked to me: “I have been very much blessed in coming to your house today, Sister.” I answered quickly, “Swami, it is I who have been blessed in having you come.” “You do not understand,” he replied. “I have had a great blessing here this afternoon. As you were reading the Bible, Christ suddenly stood before the altar dressed in a long blue cloak. He talked to me for some time. It was a very blessed moment.” (Source: God Lived with Them)