Christmas was celebrated by churches and organizations with various activities and programmes across the state.
IDMH Mokokchung: Minister of PWD, Tongpang Ozukum, Tuesday, visited the patients at the Imkongliba District Memorial Hospital (IDMH), interacting and wishing them “Merry Christmas and speedy recovery”. Minister was accompanied by MTBA associate pastor Yanglu Pongen who pronounced special prayer over each patient. (Correspondent)
LBCD: Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) celebrated Christmas day hosted by Church Colony Diphupar comprising of around 70 households.
According to DIPR report, pastor LBCD, Limhathung Lotha as main speaker, spoke on the topic, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Pointing out that religious pluralism has led to many hidden agendas, the pastor exhorted the congregation to hold on their faith to Christ alone who was the same yesterday, today and forever. Special numbers were presented by host group and the church choir.
The devotional programme was chaired by associate pastor LBCD, Yimtsu Yanthan, Loyivani Jungi read the scripture, deacon, Tsonsumo Jami invoked God’s blessings, while Easther T. Ovung was the pianist of the day.
Kohima Chakhesang community: Chakhesang community in Kohima celebrated combined Christmas on December 25 at Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) convention hall, Kohima under the theme “He must increase but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima (CBCMHK) was the speaker. Kewezü G Kenye, MP (Rajya Sabha) also shared greetings.
The service was led by Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh, pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima. CBCMHK, CCRC upper PWD, KCBCK, CBCK, CCRCK, CLCAG members presented special praises. Rev. Dr. Thupu-o Nyekha, Rev. Zhowhuyi Nyekha, Rev. Neiko Mero, Vesatso Tetseo, Rev. Khrotso Mero, senior pastor CBCK, Vesato Theluo and Akhro-ü Veswüh also attended the celebration.
SFS: St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish celebrated Christmas, wherein Fr. Peter Pithungo, assistant parish priest of SFS said in his homily that Christmas was a great feast of God where He became flesh for mankind on the day.
As one celebrate Christmas, he said some people get depressed due to various reasons but he assured, saying that Christmas has a message of hope for such broken people because Saviour was born to save mankind. He also referred the words of Isaiah and St. Paul speaking about the Redeemer in the Gospel and said “we are saved, beloved, renewed and regenerated.” Holy Mass was celebrated at the parish compound where Christmas songs were led by Kid’s Choir; Cecilia Kath conducted the service; Albina Tigga and Anthony Dukru read the scripture and prayer of the faithful by Denis Kamei .
Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes, parish priest of SFS presided over the early morning eucharistic service and also celebrated Angami mass later in the parish.
SXCCK: St Xavier’s Catholic Church Kidima (SXCCK) under the diocese of Kohima celebrated Christmas 2018 with rest of the world at Church premises on December 25.
A press release from SXCCK stated that, administrator of St Joseph’s College, Jakhama , Rev. Fr. Benny Varghese offered Eucharist in the Christmas vigil celebration. Christmas was to share the joy with others, Father Varghase added and appealed the faithful to live simple and humble like Jesus God. Reverend Father Thomas Muttathil, parish priest of Kidima cautioned not to disturb their faith with any other things but to keep Christ in their thought, words, and action. Sister A. Salomi, headmistress of St Xavier’s School-cum-superior of Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (FSMA) expressed gratitude for the blessing received from God and the community in particular.
VB Infants’ Digital Home: VB Infants’ Digital Home, (pre-children school), celebrated annual feast and pre-Christmas in the school campus on December 21. A press release from secretary, VB Infants’ Digital Home (Pre-Children School), Mayangtula Jamir, stated that toddlers demonstrated colourful dances, action songs and other attractive items. It was also mentioned that parents and guardians spoke on the celebration. One senior guardian, A. Ojukum alerted the teachers that pre-schoolers do not understand rules, and encouraged to come up with activities that were fun. Head teacher recited best wishes for Christmas.
MGOS: MGOS Church, Midland celebrated feast of nativity on December 24 and 25. A press release from medial cell, MGOS Church mentioned that message was delivered by chief celebrant vicar, Father Dr. P. S. Varghese, wherein his speech he reminded that Christmas was a message of hope and liberation from bondage.
He mentioned that spirit of Christmas celebration should not be limited during the time of Christmas, rather it should be a lifelong experience to give space to God in our mind throughout. Special service will be held on December 31 evening and Holy Communion on January 1, 6 am onwards.
WTCYA: Wokha Town Catholic Youth Association (WTCYA) visited District Hospital, Wokha and Morning Star Orphanage Home on December 24. A press release from WTCYA member mentioned that WTCYA, led by its president, Mhathung David Patton visited the hospital and Children’s home, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. President spoke on significance of Christmas and offered prayers for speedy recovery of patients. The association also at the Children’s home, interacted with the inmates, followed by short prayer service. Association presented gifts to the patients as well as the inmates.
KODH: Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home (KODH), Kohima celebrated Christmas with the Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC), Kohima on December 25. 60 children from the home presented a medley special song in the Christmas service. (Kikruneinuo Liezietsu)