Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the true message of Christmas is peace on earth brought to mankind by Jesus Christ who embodies the spirit of love and forgiveness. He said Christmas symbolises the greatest gift of God to mankind, hope and reminds us that the values we share should prevail even over differences among the Naga people.
“The day symbolises a yearning for peace and joy. Let us follow the teachings of Lord Jesus in our lives and work for harmony and unity in society,” said former PCC president and veteran Congress lawmaker K.V. Pusa in his Christmas message to the people.
He said Christ’s message of love, compassion and forgiveness is a message of universal and timeless significance. Christ’s message has the power to lift the people from ignorance, violence and moral decay to a life of peace, virtue and spiritual fulfilment, he added.
“In such a world of strife and turmoil, let us remind ourselves the assurance of our Jesus that he has given us peace. We also need to remind ourselves again that he brought with him forgiveness and hope for eternal life. These are enough reasons for us to be happy and celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of sharing and forgiveness,” the chief minister said.
People are doing their last-minute shopping and the markets and shops are overcrowded. There is also a heavy flow of traffic in towns like Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and Zunheboto.