By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 24: Christmas celebrations commenced across the city and other parts of the state with special evening prayers and solemn midnight Masses held in churches on Wednesday.
One of the main celebrations took place at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah, where a large number of faithful from all walks of life gathered in an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and spiritual reflection. Following the church services, worshippers exchanged greetings of peace and goodwill, marking the joyous occasion.
Churches in and around Shillong, beautifully decorated for the festival, drew both devotees and visitors on Christmas Eve. The celebrations are set to continue on Thursday with special services being held across churches on Christmas Day.
During the sermons, priests highlighted the message of Jesus Christ as the Messenger of peace, while the faithful offered prayers for harmony, unity, and well-being among the people of the country and the world.
In his Christmas message, Archbishop of the Shillong Diocese, Victor Lyngdoh, extended warm greetings and called upon the faithful to renew their lives in faith, hope, and love.
“As we celebrate Christmas, I invite everyone to repent from sinful ways and to do away with the evils of this world, so that we may truly experience joy, peace, and happiness as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord,” the Archbishop said.
He further urged people to draw closer to God and detach themselves from worldly distractions, stating that true joy, peace, and happiness dwell in hearts rooted in faith.
Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, the Archbishop said the birth of Jesus Christ is universally recognised as a symbol of love, hope, and salvation. Quoting scripture, he said Christ brings love to humanity and offers fullness of life to those who believe.
“The Lord brings peace to a world filled with turmoil—peace in our families, our homes, and in each individual heart. Through His coming, He also brings joy, which is why Christmas is truly a joyful time for the world,” he added.
Calling on people to be instruments of love, peace, joy, and hope to one another, the Archbishop concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon all.
Extending warm Christmas greetings to the people, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh said that Christmas marks the coming of Jesus Christ into the world to save humanity from sin, making it the greatest feast for Christians across the globe. He said that people celebrate Christmas with joy and faith, believing that God is always present to protect and guide them.
The Archbishop emphasised that the true message of Christmas is hope, adding that the coming of the Lord brings peace and joy to the world.
On Christmas Eve, religious leaders, political representatives, and citizens in Meghalaya have expressed hope that the spirit of the season will spread messages of love, peace, and brotherhood throughout the state.
Former Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, in her Christmas message, conveyed greetings of love, brotherhood, and community spirit to every household in her constituency and across the state. She expressed hope that families would be blessed by the infant Jesus and prayed that the season would bring peace, hope, and unity to the people of Meghalaya.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, Paul Lyngdoh, called upon people to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit by reflecting on the hardships endured by Joseph and Mary. He said that understanding the pain, struggle, and suffering associated with the birth of Christ would help people internalise the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate it with humility and compassion.
Nongrim Hills Rangbah Shnong, Bantylli L. Narry, extended Christmas greetings to all citizens, particularly the people of Meghalaya and Shillong. He acknowledged the role of all stakeholders in promoting peace, harmony, and development in the state and the country during the festive season.
Adding to the chorus of goodwill, Lympung Seng Kynthei President Theilin Phanbuh said that Christmas should bring joy to homes and families, strengthen mutual respect, and foster peace and harmony in society. She stressed that following the teachings of Jesus Christ, even in part, can guide people towards a better life and help overcome challenges through compassion, kindness, and mercy.
Meanwhile, Christmas celebrations were marked by carol programmes across the city. The Seng Samla Catholic Malki organised a Christmas carol on Tuesday evening to spread the message of Christmas and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The carol procession began at the Holy Spirit Church, Malki, and passed through the Sisters of St. Paul, Loreto Convent, the Archbishop’s House, the Cathedral Parish, before concluding at the Don Bosco Technical School. Young children, youth, women, and members of the faithful participated in the night carol, singing hymns and spreading joy, unity, and peace.
Similarly, the Laban Presbyterian Church organised Christmas carols on the eve of Christmas, adding to the festive spirit and reinforcing the message of love, faith, and togetherness that defines the season.
Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum secretary Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor said that despite a century marked by remarkable technological advancements and sophisticated global connectivity, the world, at the close of the first quarter of this century, is witnessing a growing darkness of bias, prejudice, hatred, and violence against the expressions of Christian faith in secular India.
He noted that this is evident in mental and physical persecution, restrictive ordinances on the freedom of individual choice of faith and religion, as well as limitations on the observance of religious festivals and liturgies.
Rev. Kharkongor who is also a senior member of the Shillong Baptist Church said that these challenges have significantly impacted members and adherents of the Christian faith, particularly those belonging to minority communities, affecting their everyday social and community life.
As Christmas is celebrated this year, he expressed hope that the light of Christ will shine brightly to dispel this darkness and prayed for the blessings of hope, joy, respect, peace, and harmony to be shared by all people.
