In his address, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended festive greetings, saying, “This celebration is made even more special as it coincides with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival.” He expressed his gratitude to the NJCF for organizing the devotion service, and expressed his hopes that the festival’s spirit would inspire love, unity, and understanding among all. Rio also encouraged everyone to embrace the values of tolerance, forgiveness, and goodwill, which are at the heart of the Christmas season.
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Rio reminded the crowd of the true significance of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought hope, peace, and salvation to humanity. He emphasised the strong link between spirituality, indigenous heritage, and political identity, highlighting how Christmas symbolises unity of faith, culture, and history.
Day 5 highlights of Hornbill festival. pic.twitter.com/7RhZkciWVk
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The chief minister reflected on Nagaland’s political history, mentioning milestones like the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873, which continues to preserve the region’s cultural identity. He noted that these protections, enshrined in India’s Constitution under Article 371A, are crucial for safeguarding Naga heritage and promoting unity.
Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, the Advisor of NJCF, delivered the Christmas message, focusing on the true essence of Christmas—worshipping the Lord. He reminded the congregation that Christmas should not be overshadowed by the distractions of modern life, where people can often overlook the deeper meaning of the season.
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“Christmas is for all of us – the rich, the poor, the innocent, the tourist, and the people of the soil,” he said, emphasizing that the message of Christmas is for everyone, regardless of background. He further stressed, “Christmas is not about Santa Claus; it is about God who came and dwelt among us,” Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said.At the service, Christmas carols were sung by choirs from various churches.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
