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).
Keduolhoulie Huozha, convenor of Thenyi, emphasised how the
entire village came together, transcending denominational lines, to unite as
one family in Christ.
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.
An update from the village stated that all the six khels of
Meriema participated in the celebration.
The celebration began on December 24 evening with Kelhoulezo
Shüya, pastor in-charge of BCM, as the chairperson.
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).
Bible reading from Old Testament was led by Keduokienyü
Huozha, deacon of Upper Nagabazar Baptist Church, and New Testament by
Petekhrienuo Üsou.
Catholic Khriesarüü Krotho and The Pentecostal Khriesarüü
Krotho presented songs. Greetings was shared by Neidilhou Keditsu, president of
MVGOK
On December 25, the devotional service was led by Siekuolie
Yaotsu, assistant pastor of CRC Meriema, while song leader was Kekhriesetuo
Keditsu.
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."
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
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).
In his sermon, Rev. Ovung reminded the congregation to
introspect whether they are living a committed life acceptable in the sight of
God.
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.
LBCD Christmas 2024 was hosted by the Lotha residents of
School Colony, Diphupar.
The Dimapur Town Nepali Baptist Church (DTNBC) in Duncan
Basti also celebrated Christmas on the theme "God's greatest gift."
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.
He encouraged the congregation to prioritise weekly
devotional services and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
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.
