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Section of the congregation is seen at the combined Christmas celebration of the Chakhesang community in Kohima on December 25.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 27 (EMN): Churches cutting across different denominations in Nagaland celebrated Christmas with fervour. It was marked with exchange of gifts and annual family outings.
Kidima: St Xavier’s Catholic Church in Kidima, under the Diocese of Kohima, celebrated Christmas with the offering of Eucharist administered by Rev. Fr. Benny Varghese, administrator of St Joseph’s College, Jakhama.
In his homily, Rev. Varghese appealed the faithful to live a simple and humble life in the likeness of Jesus.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Muttathil, parish priest of Kidima, said the faithful people are worth to smile and happy as Jesus was born for the world salvation. Muttathil has urged the faithful to be steadfast and not be swayed by worldly pleasure. The parish priest also urged the people to keep Christ in their thought, words, and action in day to day life.
Sister A Salomi, headmistress of St Xavier’s School cum superior of Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (FSMA), who got transferred for Diphugard, Assam, expressed gratitude for the blessing received from God and the community in particular.
Sister Salomi assured to remember in her prayer to students for their future to the community in general.
CBCMHK: In a related programme, Chakhesang community in Kohima celebrated combined Christmas on December 25 at Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) convention hall, Kohima, on the theme “He must increase but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima (CBCMHK) was the speaker. Rajya Sabha MP, Kewezü G Kenye, also shared greetings on the occasion.
The service was led by Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh, pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima. CBCMHK, CCRC upper PWD, KCBCK, CBCK, CCRCK, CLCAG members presented special songs on the occasion.
Rev. Dr. Thupu-o Nyekha, Rev. Zhowhuyi Nyekha, Rev. Neiko Mero, Vesatso Tetseo, Rev. Khrotso Mero, senior pastor of CBCK, Vesato Theluo and Akhro-ü Veswüh also took part in the celebration programme.
LBCD: Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) also celebrated Christmas hosted by Church colony Diphupar comprising of around 70 households.
LBCD pastor, Limhathung Lotha, who was the 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 agenda, Limhathung exhorted the congregation to hold on to their faith on Christ alone, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Marking the occasion, special numbers were presented by the host group and the church choir. Loyivani Jungi read the scripture, while the deacon Tsonsumo Jami invoked God’s blessings. Associate pastor of LBCD, Yimtsu Yanthan chaired the Christmas devotional programme, while Esther T Ovung was the pianist of the day.
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MGOS Church, Midland, celebrated feast of nativity on December 24 evening and December 25 morning. Starting from midnight on December 24, special prayers were held followed by Holy Communion.
In the message, chief celebrant Vicar Fr. Dr. PS Varghese reminded that Christmas is the message of hope and liberation from bondage. He stated that the celebration of Christmas should be a life-long experience and not limit to a particular season of the year.
The church has also planned a special service on December 31 evening and a Holy Communion on January 1 morning at 6 am.
