SHILLONG, Dec 24: Lasting peace and prosperity in the region and the state is what prominent citizens of Meghalaya, including political leaders and priests, are praying and hoping for this Christmas.
Stressing on the need to achieve peace, Vicar General, Shillong Archdiocese, Father Richard Majaw said, “This Christmas, I am praying for peace, joy and for a sense of respect for each other.”
In his message to the people, he said, “Emanuel God with Us. God comes to live among us in spite of the challenges and difficulties to strengthen us.”
Echoing similar views, MP Dr WR Kharlukhi said, “Jesus Christ is the prince of peace and people should follow his principles of living in peace with each other.”
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, on the other hand, said, “One should understand the spirit of Christmas — the love of God. We have to dwell on love and should love each other.”
State BJP chief Ernest Mawrie also extended Christmas wishes to the people of Meghalaya.
He said, “I am wishing the people of our state a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, and we hope that peace will reign in the state and there will be development and prosperity, which we are also focussing on.”
Opposition chief whip George B Lyngdoh, on the other hand, said, “Everybody has had a difficult year considering the economic conditions and also the plight of the poor this year. We always pray to the Lord, our God, for his blessings. This Christmas season there will be a turnaround in the fate of the downtrodden and, at the same time, the Christmas season will bring hope, joy and happiness as the birth of Jesus Christ has brought hope, joy and happiness to the entire Christian community.”
“This Christmas is very special and since we are on the threshold of elections we hope that this Christmas will give a sense of belongingness to the state and the people can come and pray together for a better future of the state and, at the same time, peace may reign in the state as we move ahead with unity and togetherness when we talk about the future of the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) and Shillong All Faiths Forum have also extended their Christmas and New Year greetings to one and all in Meghalaya.