Rio stresses unity of spiritual and cultural heritage
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized the significance of spiritual identity intertwined with cultural and political heritage during the Advent Christmas celebration at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Sunday.
This marked a historic moment, being the first Advent Christmas devotional service being held at Kisama in the 25 years since the Hornbill Festival’s inception. The service reflected a unique blend of faith and tradition, further enriching the festival’s cultural and spiritual dimensions.
Speaking as the special guest at the devotional service organized by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Rio clarified that the event was not intended to diminish the spirit of Christmas.
Instead, he said it aimed to highlight the harmonious connection between the spiritual, ethno-indigenous, and political identities of the Naga people. Rio said the service had been made special as it coincided with the 25th Hornbill Festival. He expressed his gratitude to the NJCF for organising the special devotional service. He said it was always a blessing to come together in worship alongside such a vibrant community of faith.
Noting that the Naga political struggle marked a significant chapter in the fight for identity, Rio recalled how during the headhunting era, Naga forefathers lived in village republics and their identities were loose and scattered. When the British arrived, he said they promulgated the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 to limit movement in the Northeast and safeguard their commercial interests.
Under the BEFR, the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a travel document for Indians entering the region, was introduced. Originally aimed at restricting trade, he claimed the ILP protected indigenous cultures, traditions, social laws, and land rights.
He said after India’s independence, the tribal dynamics of the Nagas were recognised, leading to special provisions under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India through the 13th Amendment Act, 1962, which ensured the preservation of Naga customs, land ownership, and identity.
Emphasising the importance of unity in the collective journey, he pointed out that this was the essence and reason for celebrating the Hornbill Festival.
He remarked that it was his desire that people made good reasoning of what he had shared, hoping that the spirit of love, unity, and understanding would guide their thoughts and actions.
“As we celebrate this season, let us also embrace the theme of tolerance, forgiveness, and goodwill among the people in true Christian spirit,” he exhorted.
In his message, NJCF adviser and Nagaland Baptist Church Council general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho said Jesus Christ was above culture, and called for honouring him and give all the glory above all things.
He thanked the chief minister and his council of ministers, advisers and dignitaries present for enabling the NJCF to organise the service to herald the advent of Christmas and share the message of love and peace.
“The reason for this season is Jesus, the savior of the world. Festival of festivals and celebration of celebrations is the celebration of the birth of our savior,” he elaborated.
In the midst of busy schedules, he called for spending a moment to remember the season of Christmas.
Describing the present world today as full of opportunities and yet challenging, he mentioned that the birth of Jesus Christ was more than a fascinating story from the past, and was timeless.
Noting that the modern world was radically different from that of the first century, he however pointed out that the basics remained the same. As people continued to live in a sinful world, he said they needed to be reminded that Jesus Christ was born for sinners needing salvation.
Keyho maintained that Christmas was not just for the affluent people, but for ordinary souls such the innocent drummer boy, who just accepted the invitation to come and see a newborn baby. Innocently beating his drum, he soon found out that there was nothing he could give as gift, but played his drum best for the baby Jesus.
Noting that the rich, the poor, the innocent, tourists, sojourners, etc, had different experiences of life, he pointed that they all had one thing in common, which was to give their heart to the message of Christmas.
He stated that Christmas was not just about “Santa Claus is coming to town”, but about “God who became like one of us and dwelled amongst us.” NJCF vice-president Rev Dr Vevo Phesao led the service, which was blessed with invocation by NJCF joint secretary Rev Fr Dr George Rino. Scripture was read out by Nagaland Pentecostal Church pastor Sunep Jamir, vote of thanks by secretary NJCF Rev. Moses Murry and NJCF treasurer Khontele Seb pronounced the benediction.
Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Kohima; Nagaland Chamber Choir; Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima village; Live Voice, CRC Viswema, Bethesda AG Church presented melodious numbers during the programme.