Amid pent-up sorrow and anger over the December 4 and 5 killings of 14 innocent civilians in Mon district by the security forces, Nagaland on Saturday celebrated Christmas for peace and giving Jesus Christ a place in everybody’s heart.
People across Nagaland burst crackers to welcome the birth of Christ on Friday midnight while houses and business establishments were all decked up with various colours for the occasion.
However, carol singing was not seen on the streets during the Christmas celebrations this year.
Unlike last year, the Covid19 pandemic failed to dampen the Christmas spirit as huge gatherings for morning prayers in churches were noticed.
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Churches across Nagaland, resounded with carol singing and thanksgiving, held morning prayer service, seeking blessings from the Prince of Peace.
Speaking at the prayer service at Loth Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev. Limhathung Lotha, pastor of the church, asked the congregation to ponder over whether there is a place for Christ in their hearts.
At the prayer service at Ao Baptist Church at Khermahal in Dimapur, Rev. I Yanglu Imsong said, “We get blessings from God according to our deeds.”
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Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K Therie, among others, extended Christmas greetings to the people of the state.
December 25, being the most important day of the year commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Prof Mukhi said, “Let us renew our determination to follow His examples of forgiveness, peace and love.”
“As we celebrate and exchange good wishes, in kind and in words, with families and friends let us celebrate responsibly and march towards building a safe, developed and a prosperous Nagaland,” he said.
Wishing everyone a safe and a blessed Christmas, Rio said, “May the message of Christmas – its wonder, its joy and its hope – fill our hearts and homes.”
“As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, may it bring forth great peace, prosperity and victory in every home. Wishing you all good health of mind and body during this festive season,” NPL Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang said.