The Advent Christmas Devotional Service was held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama on December 8, 2024. The event was organized by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attending as the special guest.
Speaking at the service, the Chief Minister expressed his joy in joining the Advent Christmas celebration at Kisama alongside his family. He noted the special significance of the event, coinciding with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival.
Chief Minister Rio extended his gratitude to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum for organizing the devotional service. He reflected on the blessing of worshiping with a vibrant community and emphasized the unique nature of this occasion—the first-ever Advent Christmas celebration at the Naga Heritage Village during the Hornbill Festival.
He assured attendees that the celebration sought not to diminish the spirit of Christmas but to highlight the interconnectedness of spiritual identity, indigenous heritage, and political identity. The Chief Minister encouraged participants to embrace 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 the world.
In his sermon, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, Advisor of NJCF, explained that the essence of the Christmas season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Rev Dr Keyho urged attendees to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas amid personal challenges, emphasizing that the season offers an opportunity to demonstrate Christian faith and glorify God. He reminded the congregation that Christmas is not about Santa Claus but about God’s presence among the people, encouraging them to rejoice and strive for peace and goodwill.
Rev Fr Dr George Rino, Joint Secretary of NJCF, delivered the invocation, while Rev Dr N Paphino, President of NJCF, extended a warm welcome to all attendees in his speech.
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), adding a spiritual and festive atmosphere to the event.