Churches in Nagaland celebrate Christmas with joy

Residents of Meriema village during the combined Christmas celebration on December 25.

• DIMAPUR — Meriema village celebrated a grand combined Christmas on December 25 at Pheriezou ground on the theme: "Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Kelakelieu Niepuu Khrista sü penuoliete - Luke 2:11).
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• Keduolhoulie Huozha, convenor of Thenyi, emphasised how the entire village came together, transcending denominational lines, to unite as one family in Christ.
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• The celebration showcased the harmony between various Christian groups—Baptist, Revival, Pentecostal and Catholic congregations—who collaborated under the guidance of the village council to organise the historic event.
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• An update from the village stated that all the six khels of Meriema participated in the celebration.
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• The celebration began on December 24 evening with Kelhoulezo Shüya, pastor in-charge of BCM, as the chairperson.
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• Neilakuolie Huozha, pastor of CRC Meriema, preached the word of God on the topic "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (Kezei-u nu ketuo themiako kezie kezha puo nguliete) (Matthew 4:16).
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• Bible reading from Old Testament was led by Keduokienyü Huozha, deacon of Upper Nagabazar Baptist Church, and New Testament by Petekhrienuo Üsou.
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• Catholic Khriesarüü Krotho and The Pentecostal Khriesarüü Krotho presented songs. Greetings was shared by Neidilhou Keditsu, president of MVGOK
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• On December 25, the devotional service was led by Siekuolie Yaotsu, assistant pastor of CRC Meriema, while song leader was Kekhriesetuo Keditsu.
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• The event also featured sermon by Rev. Keduolhoulie Shüya from Baptist Church, Meriema, focusing on Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
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• The celebration began with an invocation prayer said by James Thomas, pastor in-charge of Pentecostal Church Meriema. The Bible reading in the Old Testament was led by Dziesetseilie Ciesotsu, deacon of Model Village Baptist Church, 5th Mile Dimapur, and the New Testament by Vizotuolie Lhousi, catechist of St. John Vianney Catholic Church Meriema
• Songs were presented by CYE, CRC and BKK, BCM.
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• In another programme, the Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) celebrated its 52nd Christmas with associate pastor, Rev. N Wopansao Ovung as the speaker on the topic ".. And of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:33).
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• In his sermon, Rev. Ovung reminded the congregation to introspect whether they are living a committed life acceptable in the sight of God.
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• DLBC choir and Christmas 2024 host families presented songs. The Christmas offertory prayer was said by Rev. Limhathung Lotha, while Deaconess Marline Kithan read the scripture and Deacon Nkhingsao Tungoe invoked God's blessings.
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• LBCD Christmas 2024 was hosted by the Lotha residents of School Colony, Diphupar.
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• The Dimapur Town Nepali Baptist Church (DTNBC) in Duncan Basti also celebrated Christmas on the theme "God's greatest gift."
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• The celebration began with an invocation prayer said by Romi Sema, while its pastor Rajen Thapa delivered a message from Luke 2:10-13, emphasising the significance of Jesus Christ's birth.
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• He encouraged the congregation to prioritise weekly devotional services and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
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• The celebration featured a range of performances including a special number by the youth ministry. Other highlights of the programme included an offering prayer by Sarah Gurung, Sunday school teacher, and Bible reading by Diya Rai (English) and Asha Gurung (Nepali) from Luke 2:10-13.