Our
Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 28 (EMN): Members of St. Francis de
Sales Parish in Kohima town celebrated Christmas with three masses on December
25 in Kohima.
Delivering the sermon in the campus of the parish during the English Mass, main celebrant Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gaikhang, assistant priest of St. Francis de Sales, said Christmas is a joyful occasion. He said Christmas is a feast of God sending a savior and ‘the first reason why we celebrate the joyous occasion.’ God sent Jesus Christ, his son and savior of mankind, the gathering was told. ‘Christmas is a feast of God sharing His love with mankind.’
Gaikhang narrated how God sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to share God’s love with humanity.’ The priest said that right from the beginning, Jesus shared the love of God who is merciful, kind and ever ready to love and forgive.
Further, Gaikhang said Christmas is a “feast of Immanuel,” and a name which means “God is with us.”
‘God came down to be with us and not to be far away from us,’ the church leader said. Gaikhang reminded the Catholic members that through the Eucharist, God ‘comes to us through the “blessed sacrament” that God is with us.” The priest said God is present when people are gathered as a family in prayer.
Further, Gaikhang said Christmas is also a “feast of love.” He spoke about Jesus’ unconditional love for humankind when he took a human form and ‘came down on earth to love and save us. “Jesus loves you and me madly,” the priest said.
‘As we celebrate this feast of love, our love to one another should increase year by year and day by day,’ Gaikhang said. “When we recall the love that God has love for us, in turn, our love to God and our love one another should also increase.” He urged the people to spread the love of God not only within the family and friends’ circles but beyond the boundary of one’s community, tribe and race etc.
Also, two masses were celebrated by Rev. Richard Fernandes, parish priest of St. Francis De Sales, on Christmas Day. The Kids’ Choir led the congregation with songs.