Historic Advent Christmas Service Celebrated During Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
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Kohima, Dec 8 (NationPress) Amidst a captivating cultural celebration and the gathering of numerous tourists, the Advent Christmas Devotional Service took place at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Sunday.
Hosted by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), this marks the inaugural advent Christmas service held in conjunction with the 10-day-long Hornbill Festival, which commenced on December 1.
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who attended as the special guest, expressed his happiness in participating in the Advent Christmas celebration at Kisama along with his family.
He acknowledged the unique importance of this occasion, coinciding with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival.
Rio conveyed his appreciation to the NJCF for organizing the devotional service.
He reflected on the blessings of worshiping with a dynamic community and highlighted the distinctive nature of this event.
He assured attendees that the celebration aimed not to overshadow the spirit of Christmas but to underscore the interconnection of spiritual identity, indigenous heritage, and political identity.
The Chief Minister encouraged everyone to adopt themes of tolerance, forgiveness, and goodwill in the true Christian spirit during this season.
Above all, he reminded everyone to focus on the central figure of Christmas, Jesus Christ, who brought hope, peace, and salvation to humanity.
In his sermon, Rev. Zelhou Keyho, Advisor of NJCF, emphasized that the essence of the Christmas season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Keyho urged attendees to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas in light of personal challenges, stressing that this season offers a chance to express Christian faith and glorify God.
He reminded the congregation that Christmas is not centered around Santa Claus but about God’s presence among people, encouraging them to rejoice and pursue peace and goodwill.
Rev. Fr. George Rino, Joint Secretary of NJCF, delivered the invocation, while Rev. N. Paphino, President of NJCF, warmly welcomed all attendees in his address.
Musical performances for the service were provided by the Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church (Kohima), the Nagaland Chamber Choir, the Khedi Baptist Church (Kohima Village), and Live Voice (CRC Viswema), contributing to a spiritual and festive ambiance for the event.
