Nagaland: FNR Advent Service brings convergence of Naga groups in call for unity

In a rare gathering that bridged tribal bodies, political groups, and the wider public, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) held its Advent worship service on Sunday evening at Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Arogo (CABA). The event became a collective moment of prayer, reflection, and renewed longing for reconciliation among the Naga people.
Delivering the evening message on behalf of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Dr. Villo Naleo, Secretary of Social Concern, spoke on the “humility of God.” He reminded worshippers that Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, affirming that divine light continues to break into contexts of fear and uncertainty. Drawing from Philippians 2:5–8, he explained the concept of kenosis—Christ’s self-emptying—emphasizing how Jesus relinquished divine privileges to embrace humanity in full humility. “Christ’s humanity was His humility,” he said, urging believers to model their lives on this example.
Dr. Naleo challenged the congregation to surrender pride, dominance, and blame in favor of equality and honesty. He called on Naga leaders to emulate Christ’s humility by embracing painful truths, pursuing peaceful negotiations, and prioritizing service over demands.
Addressing political groups, he stressed that public support must be earned through integrity and reconciliation. Concluding his message, he described God’s incarnation as the pinnacle of humility, urging hearts to be “merrier, humbler, closer to God” as Christmas approaches. Other speakers echoed the theme of reconciliation.
NSCN (I-M) member collective leadership Rev. Puni Mao described Christmas as “God’s answer to a wounded, divided world,” insisting that true Naga victory lies not in documents but in transformed hearts. Dr. Akito Zhimo of Council Headquarters Church (Unification) hailed Christ as the Prince of Peace, urging worshippers to “take peace in your pocket” and share it in communities, closing with a spirited chant of “Feliz Navidad.”
Representing tribal hohos, APO president and convenor of the Nagaland Tribe Hohos Coordination Committee, Thejao Vihienuo, cited II Chronicles 7:14, calling for humility, repentance, and prayer for God’s healing upon the land.
He extended Christmas and New Year greetings on behalf of the tribes. P. Tikhak Naga of the Working Committee, NNPGs, described the Advent service as “historic,” uniting Nagas across the homeland in celebration of Christ’s birth. He lamented the absence of the fruits of the Spirit—love, peace, patience, kindness—and prayed for their restoration.
Pastor Neli Mao of Mao Baptist Church, Chümoukedima, proclaimed Christ as the enduring Prince of Peace, urging Nagas to release resentment and reject factionalism. Col. (Retd.) Isak Sumi, Convener of the Working Committee NNPGs, affirmed Christ as the foundation of redemption, calling on Nagas to cultivate Christ-like character and unity. Rev. Seksim Kasar, General Secretary of the Council of Nagalim Churches (Hebron), urged the people to follow the guiding star of faith, becoming “the unique star” that leads to peace and solution.
Dr. Visier Sanyü, FNR member, offered Advent greetings, describing the season as one of waiting and watching. He noted that Christ’s birth amid oppression revealed divine power through love and forgiveness, not domination—parallels resonating with Naga aspirations for reconciliation. He admitted that nationalism and patriotism had fostered hatred and violence, declaring repentance as the bedrock of reconciliation. “Brothers have killed brothers; words and weapons wounded Christ’s body,” he said, stressing that no cause justifies destroying life made in God’s image. He urged the congregation to embody the virtues of Advent candles—hope, peace, joy, and love—so that “the world may see Christ’s light in the Naga people.” His closing affirmation was poignant: “Love will be the last word.”
Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, FNR convenor, closed the programme by noting it was the 17th reconciliation meeting, with the previous one held privately in Zunheboto. He highlighted growing support from tribal bodies and individuals for political reconciliation, announcing that engagements would resume in January to foster dialogue and unity.
The evening concluded with stirring Christmas performances from various choirs. The CABA Choir sang “Make Me an Instrument of Peace,” the Chamber Choir presented “Jesus What a Wonderful Child,” Patkai Christian College Choir performed “Sing Noel (African),” Tetso College Choir offered “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and the Combined Naga Army Choir closed with “Light of Lights.” Their voices underscored the spirit of the gathering: a call for peace, humility, and reconciliation across Nagaland.