Nagaland Legislators' Pre-Christmas Service held
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 12
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today stressed on the need for all people to pray together for peace and harmony in the state.
“We the Naga people have been yearning for permanent peace since decades and this, I feel is the best season when we can all pray together for peace and harmony,” he said in his greetings at the Legislators' Pre-Christmas Service held here this evening at State Banquet Hall. “Let us pray for all the leaders serving at all levels so that the mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ humble their hearts and bestow wisdom, courage and humility,” the CM urged and also challenged the people to pray for peace and reconciliation amongst different sections of Naga people.
“Let us also take some time off and mull over the ups and downs we have been through during the year. What good we have done to others and what lessons we need to learn from the experiences gained. Let us also consider how much we have been blessed and yet, in return what we have given,” he added.
He believed that the message of Christmas has the power to transform and solve the problems facing the world and humanity. The Chief Minister further said Christmas not only proclaims the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, but signifies the fulfilment of an event foretold in the Bible as found in Isaiah 9:6; which says: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the Government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor. Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Christmas to Christians around the world is, therefore, the most important festival celebrated in honour of the birth of Jesus Christ, he stated.
This Christmas, the CM further exhorted, “let us all put in our best efforts to renew relationships not only with those who are near and dear to us but with every fellow human beings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar meanwhile stated Christmas is a time for spiritual communion with the Almighty. “May the strength that we derive from this spiritual experience hold us in good stead in negotiating the challenge, making progress and achieving new milestones in the year ahead,” he conveyed.
Stating that Christmas is a time one forgives and forgets the rancours of the past and reaffirms ties with each other, he added, “As the time for my posting in Government of India draws near, I seek forgiveness for my own mistakes and any hurt that I may have caused.”
As we immerse ourselves in communion with the Almighty, Kumar said, “We emerge stronger from the trials and tribulations of the past and prepare for the future.”
Meanwhile, he noted the government and its citizens are bound together with a covenant – the citizens should obey the government and the government should deliver fairness and justice to them.
Kumar said the year 2017 has had its own share of ups and downs. In the beginning of the year, elections to urban local bodies marked a difficult period for the government and its citizens. The precarious situation could only be overcome by annulling the elections, he reminded.
As the government has taken and is taking steps to address the issue, he said, good sense and sagacity on the part of all stakeholders will be needed to arrive at a satisfactory pathway in managing the ULBs.
Kumar further recounted that 2017 also witnessed heavy and concentrated downpour which caused abnormal damage to roads and infrastructure.
On the upside, he said, the state government could successfully fulfill its obligations in organizing various regional conferences and events. The recently concluded 18th edition of Hornbill Festival witnessed record footfalls from domestic and international tourists, it was informed. Further, streamlining in school education sector is continuing, he added.
“We have been able to meet the challenges and achieve milestone together with untiring efforts of our officers and staff, guidance of the top leadership and active cooperation of stake holding civil society organizations,” he acknowledged.
Dr. Atsi Dolie, executive director, Angami Baptist Church Council acted as the speaker of the service. He said Christmas is a time of joy and restoration of peace. Christmas means God is interested in the affairs of people, he added.
Led by Rev. Kuzierang Thou, the service saw performances from Cherry Blossom school and The Angelic Choir.
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