The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland held an Advent Christmas Celebration on the theme “Light the World” on December 17 at the Town Hall, Mokokchung.
Sharing Christmas greetings, Benjamin Yepthomi, State President of BJP Nagaland said it was a privilege for him to be in Mokokchung, a place that has always been close to his heart. He said his connection with Mokokchung was rooted not only in family ties but also in history, recalling that in the early 1930s his grandfather, while working at the Digboi (Assam) refinery, travelled through several villages in Mokokchung district and came into contact with Ao missionaries.
He acknowledged the role of the Ao community, noting that his grandfather later became one of the first Christian converts in a small village in Zunheboto district in 1938.
Speaking on the significance of the season, Yepthomi said Christmas reminds people of hope, love, sacrifice and renewal, and prepares hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings continue to inspire compassion and service towards others. He said that despite belonging to different political parties, Christians are united in their faith in one God.
He further stated “this is the first time, in the history of any political party especially for the BJP, we have decided to celebrate this small advance Christmas in Mokokchung” and informed that similar celebrations are planned in other districts and assembly constituencies across the state to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
Yepthomi said Nagaland has been blessed with a deep spiritual foundation and that Christian faith has played a significant role in shaping the social fabric of the state by promoting values of integrity, peace and collective responsibility. He added that these values are not only religious ideals but also essential pillars for building a strong and progressive society.
He urged the people to reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and development, stating that development is possible only when there is harmony among communities and cooperation between society and the government.
Talking to the media on the sidelines of the BJP Nagaland Advent Christmas celebration in Mokokchung, Benjamin Yepthomi said that the party has not begun any preparations for the by-election to the vacant 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency seat following the demise of BJP MLA Imkong L Imchen. When asked about the party’s preparedness, he said that there was no planning underway at the moment, adding that the party was not in an election mode but in a festive mood.
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He stated that the focus at present was on the Christmas season and that no political preparations were being taken up. Responding to queries on why Mokokchung was chosen as the venue for the Advent Christmas celebration, Yepthomi said the decision was not driven by any political agenda. He explained that since many party programmes are usually held in Kohima and Dimapur, the party decided to organise the celebration in Mokokchung this time, reiterating that the event was purely festive in nature.
Rev Dr Bendang Longkumer, Pastor of Artang Baptist Church in his Christmas message delivered on the theme “Light the World,” spoke on the “Gift of Christmas,” stating that God gave Jesus Christ as His indescribable gift to humanity to bring light into the world. He said the very essence of Christmas lies in God’s act of giving, as recorded in the Bible, and that giving reflects Christian integrity.
He reminded that the great Heavenly Father gave this gift not because it was requested, but out of His unconditional love, making the gift of Christmas an unsolicited one. He emphasised that the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ and that this gift is infinite and meant for everyone.
Referring to the celebration of Christmas, he said that while organisations like the BJP are celebrating it today, Christmas has been celebrated for over two thousand years as a reminder of God’s grace. He further noted that salvation cannot be earned without God and urged the gathering to reflect on what God means to them in their lives today.
Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton and Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along were unable to attend the programme in person. Their messages were conveyed to the gathering through BJP General Secretary& Convenor, Sunep C Jamir and V Kashiho Sangtam respectively, who read them out during the programme.
The programme began with an invocation pronounced by Rev Puryapang, Pastor of Yimyu Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by O Tinu Longkumer, President, BJP Mokokchung District, followed by scripture reading by Imchanaro Kichu, General Secretary, Mahila Morcha, Mokokchung District.
A Christmas melody was presented by Tekatemtsu, after which the Christmas cake cutting ceremony was held. A special song was presented by Ongmeshang Choir, Mokokchung. The programme was hosted by Imlisen Pongen, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Talitoshi, President, BJP Mangkolemba (Org.) District.
