SHILLONG/TURA: In the time of mudslinging and heated debates before the 2018 Assembly elections, Christmas brought in the message of peace and harmony, and most importantly, hope for a better future.
On Monday, Church leaders in Shillong emphasised the need to focus more on Jesus Christ than Santa Claus and gifts.
They also spoke of the need for peace at a time “when forces of evil are working to disrupt it”.
The city was illuminated and revellers were seen on streets till late at night. Many programmes were organised on the occasion and some churches also celebrated Christmas feasts.
In Garo Hills, thousands of faithful attended church services to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.
Service at the Tura Baptist Church on Christmas Day was led by Reverend Wetterfield R Marak who in his sermon said the time has come to receive God’s gift of salvation.
Reading from the scriptures, Reverend Marak narrated the prophecy of the holy man Simeon of Jerusalem to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
At the Catholic Church Sacred Heart Shrine in Tura, Rev. Fr Theodore T Sangma led the devotees in offering prayer and joy to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. “Christmas is a time of love and forgiveness. Christmas should not be celebrated just on this day because if you have love and forgiveness everyday of your life then you are celebrating Christmas always. Remember we must always have Jesus in our hearts,” said Fr. Theodore while giving his homily.
He also expressed concern over the materialism that has crept into Christmas celebrations over the years. “The sight of beggars braving a cold winter night on the streets awaiting alms from passers-by on a day they ought to have been with their families celebrating love and joy is a blemish on the Christian spirit of Garo society,” said Fr Theodore.
He added that families and clan have always played an important role in Garo culture but the sight of so many old and infirm being abandoned on the streets with no one to care for them “is worrying”, felt Father Theodore as he called upon Christian families to always stay together and pray.
