Keeping up the tradition of distributing gifts and cakes to the loved ones, Christmas was celebrated across Nagaland with people gathering together at midnight and attending church services.
During the church services Sunday midnight and Monday morning, people sang, listened to the sermons, and exchanged greetings before a big feast.
Most of the Naga people, who are out of the state returned to their homes to celebrate Christmas with their families and loved ones. Not only the Nagas people from other communities and religious backgrounds were also seen celebrating Christmas with equal fervour and enthusiasm. Nungchetkala Aier of Dimapur, who is a housewife, said she prayed that Jesus Christ always lives in her heart always so that she can spread goodness among all.
Wishing all a Merry Christmas, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said, “As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may you all be blessed abundantly and may joy and cheerfulness fill every home.”
“Let the showers of blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ touch every heart and soul. Let us also remember and pray for those who are dejected and depressed by various reasons so that, on this day, the blessings of Christmas may bring blissfulness and a jubiliant heart to everyone,” he said in his message on Monday morning.
Zeliang also appealed to all to forgo our vices and iniquities and open our hearts to love and peace.
“Let us, with a renewed vigour strive towards living our lives as Our Father in Heaven wants of us. May this Christmas bring about good changes and lead us to tread on the path of righteousness. Let us as Christians, celebrate Christmas with Jesus in our hearts and receive the blessings of our Lord, feel His presence in our homes and let every soul shout Immanuel Immanuel,” he added.
The NSCN-IM in its Christmas greetings said, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
In his message, NSCN-IM steering committee convener Rh Raising said he was privileged to extend Christmas greetings to all, saying the Prince of peace has come, rejoice for Jesus, the Liberator has come etc.