Bringing season’s greetings during the 2024 Christmas worship service held at Sumi Baptist Church Kohima on December 25, 2024, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, SBC Kohima, addressed the worshippers with a message of unity in humanity brought by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He briefly reflected on the life of the beloved Son of God, who came to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin, bringing peace, joy, and love to mankind.
Kikheto observed that, traditionally, during the Christmas season, people joyfully exchange gifts with friends, relatives, and loved ones, which he applauded. However, he encouraged the congregation to take this noble act further by extending their love and joy to the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the underprivileged, emphasizing that this embodies the true essence of Christmas.
He remarked that Christmas is the perfect time to remind ourselves that we are followers of Christ. He expressed hope that the vibrant festivities around us would serve as a reminder for believers to consistently obey Christ’s commandments and love one another. He further urged worshippers to “even love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.”
Sema also implored the congregation to embrace the spirit of “forgive and forget” and come together for the peace and development of the state and the country.
Highlighting the socio-economic disparities in society, Kikheto cited examples from parts of the Eastern Naga areas and pockets of the Northern Sema area under Bhandari and Mongkolemba subdivisions bordering Assam. He stressed the need for collective efforts to bridge these gaps in socio-economic development. Acknowledging that the government alone cannot achieve this, he called on well-to-do churches to support the needy, fostering equality and enabling a society where peace and harmony prevail.