Advent Christmas and Christmas programmes were held by different churches and organizations in their respective areas.
LBCD: Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) celebrated its 45th Christmas day on December 25 with pastor LBCD, Limhathung Lotha as the main speaker. According to DIPR report, pastor Limhathung spoke on the topic “we are children of God”. He exhorted that God had send His only son to save His children in the world and to give humanity new life. He therefore stressed that “we” must live a life acceptable to God and let others see the beauty of Jesus in oneself.
Other highlights of the programme included special Christmas rendition by the church choir and Christmas 2017 host group. Renthunglo Patton read the scripture while associate pastor, Wopansao led the congregation. Christmas 2017 of LBCD was hosted by Church Colony B.
K Basa Church Phek: The Khulazu Basa Baptist Church under Phek district celebrated the 75th gospel anniversary-cum- Christmas program at Khulazu Basa village with the theme “Glorify the Lord” from December 23 to 25. Speakers included Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo executive secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Rev. Cefuyi Keyho, missionary, Jonai Assam, Kevemeri Keyho, missionary, Bareilly U.P, Satahi Chuzho, CDPO, Pfutsero and Kehuve Chuzho, local pastor. Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo who spoke on the theme encouraged the congregation to take a challenge in order to glorify God as they attained 75 years of Christianity.He also reminded that gathering to be responsible Christian by rebuilding relationship and reconnecting with God as the church grew 75 year older. Earlier, the monolith erected for the platinum jubilee was unveiled by executive secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo.
MGOS: Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian (MGOS) church, Midland Dimapur celebrated Christmas at its premises. On the evening of December 23, a prayer was followed by Sunday night vigil and on December 25 along with special Christmas service and Holy Qurbana which were conducted at the church. While leading the services, vicar Rev. Fr. P.S. Varghese interpreted the Bible verse, “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road” (St. Matthew 2:12) and exhorted that Christ must be born in our hearts and that we have to make a manger in our hearts for Him. He further added that one must lead a life as Christ and refrain from old ways of hatred, jealousy and pride and make ways for new ways of Christian fellowship, while also humbling ourselves before God.
SXCC Kidima: St Xavier’s Catholic Church (SXCC) of Kidima celebrated Christmas with a traditional spiritual preparation from December 16 and novena for the nativity of Jesus Christ on December 25, at church premises.
Reverend Thomas Muttathil, parish priest in the introductory words said “God is the Father of future ages for our well-being and salvation”. Father Muttathil in his sermon said God has given a great gift His own beloved Son Jesus Christ. He called upon the parents to be great like Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He urged the faithful people to welcome Christ in their life, and extend their service to others. He also requested the people to allow giving birth of Jesus on them. The celebration followed novena and rosary prayer, honouring Christmas crib, confession, baptism, sprinkle of holy water to faithful people, Eucharist celebration and Holy Bible reading. Special numbers were presented by Menesel Felicitus; Edikunu Patricia and Vikusale and friends and Kidima Catholic Youth Association.
CBCMHK: Chakhesang Baptist Church, Minister’s Hill Kohima (CBCMHK) held advent Christmas celebration with four lane construction workers and their families at Lalmati on December 24. CBCMHK senior pastor Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao thanked the four lane construction workers for building good roads for the state. He said their good works would never be forgotten. MLA Deo Nukhu also shared greetings. The celebration witnessed sharing of Christmas cake and gifts to the workers and concluded with prayer for their health and safety.
BJP minority morcha: BJP Minority Morcha Nagaland State celebrates Christmas on December 24, with the Children of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home and attended prayers programme which was followed by Christmas feast provided by BJP Minority Morcha, Nagaland. The team was led by BJP minority morcha Nagaland president Mukibur Rahman and attended by State BJP Minority Morcha Officials and executive members.
NBCK: Nepali Baptist Church Kohima (NBCK) youth department, celebrated Christmas by sharing Christmas message, enthralled the gathering with dancing and singing from December 18 to 22, at its member place. On December 21, the department under Youth Mission held fellowship and disturbed tea, Christmas cake & card at Naga Hospital, traffic police and north police station, Kohima.
RCD: Rotary Club of Dimapur (RCD) celebrated advent Christmas at its club premises along with students of Ebenezer house and members. A host of programmes, prayers and performance by various upcoming artists covered the show. The programme was chaired by Rtn Payal Acharjee.
KBA: Members of Kohima Bar Association (KBA) and others with Kohima Orphanage Home on December 22. KBA donated necessity items for the home as a sign of sharing during this festive season.
Phek Battalion AR: Phek Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR(N) organized carol singing competition at DC ground, Phek on December 23. Seven teams from the churches of Phek town including the Phek battalion church participated with their melodious numbers. The event ended with refreshments and prize distribution.