Congregation attending Sumi Christian Fellowship Kohima Combined Christmas Celebration on December 25.
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 27 (MExN): The Sümi Christian Fellowship Kohima, comprising Sümi Aphuyemi Baptist Church Kohima (SABCK), NCRC Sümi Kohima and Sümi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK), observed a combined Christmas celebration on December 25 at the NBCC Convention Centre here, marking the centenary jubilee of SBCK.
The programme was held under the theme “We Have Seen the Star” from Isaiah 60:1–3, with senior pastor of SABCK Rev Dr G Kiyeto Sema as the speaker.
Chairman of the SBCK Centenary Planning Board, Y Kikheto Sema, extended Christmas greetings to the Sümi community. Quoting John 3:16, he said God’s love was manifested through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, describing the crucifixion as an unparalleled sacrifice for humanity. He said although Christ departed physically, His Spirit continues to remain with believers, as reflected in the gathering.
He said the coming of Jesus brought love, peace and reconciliation, and prayed that Christmas would foster peace, love, joy and reconciliation among Sümi believers while spreading the message of the Gospel.
Reflecting on his service, Sema said he served 38 years as a young officer and spent 35 years attached to Sümi churches in Kohima alongside senior church leaders. He commended the Sümi churches in Kohima for demonstrating unity across denominations with “one soul and one spirit” through peace, unity and reconciliation.
Recalling milestones, he said that in 2015–16, Sümi churches resolved to observe combined Christmas celebrations across denominations, leading to the formation of the Sümi Christian Fellowship Kohima in line with the Sümi Baptist Church Association Kohima’s core objectives of being a spiritual church, a church of reconciliation and a church of mission.
He also recalled the 2017 spiritual awakening crusade themed “Heal Us, Oh Lord”, which brought together SBAK-Nito Mount, SBAK-Aizuto, NCRC, SABAK, WSBAK, pastors and leaders at the NBCC Convention Centre, where commitments were made towards peace, unity and reconciliation.
Sema said God’s revelation of blessings for Sümi believers in Kohima had been fulfilled, with youths and members excelling in various fields. He also thanked God for the unity displayed during the centenary jubilee celebrations of SBCK held from June to November 2025 under the theme “Faithful Through the Ages”.
He affirmed that the Sümi tribe had been richly blessed and called for bridging gaps through reconciliation and stronger relationships with all Naga tribes—east, west, north and south—urging the Sümi Church Association to reach out within the community.
He expressed gratitude to SABCK, NCRC Sümi Kohima, SBCK, organising convenor and chairman of the Board of Deacons of SBCK Lukheto Yeptho, donors, church leaders, media persons, volunteers and all contributors.
Delivering the Christmas message, Rev Dr G Kiyeto Sema urged the Sümi community to reflect on the past, seek forgiveness and unite as one. Referring to the theme, he said people in Judah believed stars appeared at the birth of leaders. He noted that while elaborate preparations are made for dignitaries, no such arrangements were made for Jesus, who was born to serve humanity and save souls.
He said a brilliant light appeared at Christ’s birth, prompting believers to ask, “Where is the newborn King?” and added that the star symbolised the arrival of the true King. The light, he said, continues to guide lives today, transforming families, tribes and communities.
He urged believers to receive the love of Jesus, accept Him as their personal saviour and live out that faith daily. Emphasising that Christmas was more than celebration, he said it was about thanksgiving, sharing love and helping one another. Quoting Daniel 12:3, he exhorted believers to “shine like stars” by spreading the Gospel and leading righteous lives.
Associate Pastor (G) of SBCK Dr L Botoholi Yeptho pronounced the invocation, while Associate Pastor (F) Kashito Aye offered the offertory prayer. Scripture was read by Women Pastor of NCRC Rachel Swu and Associate Children Pastor of SABCK Kanili Lohe. Pastor of SBCK Khekavi K Yeptho blessed elders aged 60 and above from the three churches and prayed for the Christmas feast.
Special performances were presented by choirs from SABCK, NCRC and SBCK, the Harmonica Brothers and a combined choir led by James S Swu, music director of SBCK. Praise and worship were led by the SBCK Youth, with Tovili Assumi on piano.
The programme was chaired by NCRC pastor Kayepu Assumi and concluded with a combined Christmas feast. Around 5,000 members from the three congregations attended the celebration.
