The Advent Christmas Celebration was held at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, on December 1 under the theme “Celebrating the Gift of Love” (1 John 4:9).
Jointly organised by Dimapur Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (DBPF), Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur (BYFD), and Dimapur Baptist Women Union (DBWU), the programme marked the beginning of the Christmas season with worship, reflection, and fellowship.
Delivering the greetings, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, thanked the organisers for helping people embrace the spirit of Advent and prepare to receive Christmas with joy and reflection.
He described Advent as a season of preparation, anticipation, and hope, reminding that Christmas is not just a day but a journey of the heart. He emphasized that the lighting of candles—hope, peace, joy, and love—each carried a message: hope assures God’s promise, peace calms fears, joy celebrates God’s presence, and love reflects Christ’s greatest gift.
Dr. Chang urged the gathering to reflect on God’s goodness, reach out to the lonely and needy, and let kindness and compassion be the greatest gifts this season. He concluded by wishing all a blessed Advent and a Christ-filled Christmas.
Delivering the message, pastor Yabang Longkumer of Covenant Baptist Church spoke on the theme “The Gift of Love.” He emphasized that human love is often conditional, whereas God’s love is unmerited and gracious. Quoting scripture, he reminded that the greatest expression of this love was the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
He cautioned that Christmas loses meaning if Christ is not born in our hearts, and called for repentance, personal relationship with Christ, and faith that welcomes Jesus into daily life. He urged believers to live as salt and light, and share the gift of love with one another.
The celebration featured performances by Tikvah and Prodigals Home, BYFD Choir, DBWU Choir, Nagaland Chamber Choir, and a musical drama by Music Dot.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by CBCD Children pastor Keweneilou K. Thora and MBCD youth director Rove Mao. Praise and worship was led by DSBC worship team, invocation by Police Baptist Church’s Nukshila Aying Doulo, and welcome note by DBPF president Rev. Thenjamo Tsanglao. Scripture readings were presented by Manoshi Roy (Hindi Baptist Church) and Ningrieshang Shimray (Tangkhul Baptist Church Dimapur).
Vote of thanks was delivered by BYFD president Tovikali Shohe, and benediction by Town Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Vilodi Sakhrie.
Nagaland: Advent Christmas celebrated under ‘The Gift of Love’
Staff ReporterDimapur, Dec 1 (NPN)