Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with Ministers, Advisors and other officials at the Advent Christmas Devotional Service. (DIPR Photo)
NJCF organises Advent Christmas devotional service at Kisama
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 8
Coinciding with the 25th edition of the ongoing Hornbill Festival, the first ever Advent Christmas devotional service organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum was held at The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 8.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, remarked that this celebration is not to dilute the spirit of Christmas, but rather to showcase the intertwined nature of ‘our’ spiritual identity, ethno-indigenous heritage and political identity.
He thanked the NJCF for the programme stating that it is always a blessing to come together in workshop alongside such a vibrant community of faith.
Stating that the Naga political struggle marked a significant chapter in Nagas fight for its identity, Rio noted the transformation of the Nagas identity over time since the headhunting era. He recounted the headhunting era when ‘our’ forefathers were ‘loose and scattered’ and described the impact of the British colonial administration, particularly the enactment of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873.
This regulation introduced the Inner Line Permit (ILP), initially aimed at restricting trade, but also protects indigenous cultures, traditions and land rights. He further outlined the special constitutional provisions granted to Nagaland under Article 371(A) through the 13th Amendment Act of 1962, ensuring the preservation of Naga customs, land ownership and identity of the Naga people.
“It allows the world to marvel at our uniqueness while emphasizing the importance of unity in our collective journey. This is the essence and reason for celebrating the Hornbill Festival” stated Rio.
Stating that people make good reasoning of what he shared, the Chief Minister called for love, unity and understanding to guide the thoughts and actions while urging all to embrace tolerance, forgiveness and goodwill in the true Christian spirit.
Extending Christmas wishes and a prosperous New Year 2025 to everyone, Rio reminded “let us remember the central figure of Christmas – Lord Jesus Christ, who brought hope, peace and salvation to the world.”
Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, Advisor NJCF and General Secretary, NBCC delivering his message highlighted on the true essence of Christmas with Christ at the centre and reminded the people to focus on the true meaning of Christmas amidst the distractions in life.
“Christ is above culture and therefore, whatever we do, we do to honour Him and give all the glory above all things” said Rev. Keyho emphasizing that the reason for this season is Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Describing Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as the “Festival of festivals and celebration of celebrations” Rev. Keyho noted that the busyness and concerns of life can overshadow the deeper meaning of the celebration where it becomes easy to lose sight of the gospel message.
However, he said, the message of the gospel and the Christmas remains unchanged, and urged the believers to remain steadfast in their faith, and live their live as the ‘light and salt’ of the earth.
“We live in an opportune time because we have in our hand to show that we are Christian community so that they may glorify God. Everyone who sees and meet Jesus will never be the same again” reminded Rev Keyho.
Drawing parallels to the Christmas story, he said, Christmas is for the rich, the poor, the tourists, the sojourners, the innocents and the people of the soil adding “Each of us have a different experience. But we all have one thing in common; we can all give our heart to the message of Christmas. He came that we might have life and have it abundantly.”
“Christmas is not about ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ it is about ‘God who became like one of us and dwelled amongst us.’ Christmas is for me and for you”, he reminded the people.
