Christmas has in modern times become an important landmark in the Naga realm of life and yet, while much emphasis is in laid in the outward “form” of what the season has come to represent, very little is done in renewing the inner “content” of what Christmas truly signifies. The important question is can we find Christmas in our hearts? The lighting of stars and decorations, feasting, new clothes, celebration and gift sharing have become central to how Nagas have come to celebrate Christmas. While it is important to share and rejoice, it is equally important that we give meaning and a sense of purpose in creating a new spirit in each one of us. In other words, through this season of Christmas, it is vital that we emerge out as a new person.
This year, Nagas have experienced intense internal violence and divisions like never before in recent times; and they threaten the morality of the Naga future. Therefore what does Christmas mean to the Nagas – both individually and collectively – under such fomenting conditions. It is difficult for us to conveniently ignore the spiraling conditions that we live in; and neither is it possible for us to say that it does not affect us. How then is it possible to be persuaded by the spirit of Christmas while still existing under distress and despair? How can we cling on to the spirit of hope and forgiveness when bitterness and hate has arrested our perception to act with a conscience? So, is this Christmas?
And yet, because this is Christmas, this is the opportune time to self-reflect and make amends so that we may seek new ways of relating with each other and to create a new pathway to a future that is consistent with the spirit of Christmas. Each one of us has an opportunity to be renewed this Christmas, to change the course of our future and to allow new hope to arise from this blood-soaked land. This season of Christmas is indeed a gift from God and is imploring us to break from the past of hate and violence. This is an opportunity that we cannot and must not let it pass by; and history is beckoning us to be decisive in our search for reconciliation, unity and peace through thought and action.
This Christmas, what gift can we give to each other, what gift can you give to the Naga people? This Christmas, it is essential that we ponder with seriousness and sincerity before deciding on the gift you give to the people. The gift that each one of us decides to give to the Nagas will define the new path for the Naga future. Just imagine how profoundly our future would be transformed, if each one of us willfully and honestly makes a decision to gift the spirit of love, forgiveness and peace to the Nagas. Our lives would be forever changed for the betterment. To realize a secure future, each one of us must with tenderness, courage and hope decide to gift the Nagas the spirit of forgiveness and the values of justpeace. As difficult as it may seem, the spirit of Christmas is surreal and can persuade us to think and act in unexpected ways. So let us anticipate for the better, for this is Christmas!
