Ukhrul begins Christmas celebrations with message of peace
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 24 2022:
As the last minute shopping and preparations ended on Christmas Eve, Ukhrul town came alive with worship services amid colourful lights and decorations and Christmas melodies here on Saturday.
The length and breadth of the town is all decked up with lights and decorations, and Christmas trees and stars.
While all churches are decorated with colourful lights, trees and stars, every locality across the town has put up similar illuminated decorations to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
On Christmas Eve, some churches held welcome services in the evening to mark the beginning of the festival, while other churches were gearing up for the mid-night services to commemorate the birth of the Messiah.
This year, the town is sending out a message of peace and unity with its Christmas celebrations.
"I, on behalf of Phungyo Baptist Church, extend Christmas'wishes to one and all for a merry, peaceful celebration.
It's our prayer that the love and peace of Jesus Christ reign over each and every heart as we celebrate festival of peace," PBC pastor reverend Zaklei Kaping said.
He mentioned that this year the Church will be celebrating the festival based on the theme 'Peace on Earth' and that it will propagate the message of peace and harmony through the celebration.
"As we celebrate this joyous celebration to mark the birth of Jesus Christ who came to save mankind from sins, I pray and wish that each and every one receives the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
May this season be a time of peace, love and unity for all," Viewland Baptist Church pastor reverend Mayonsing Ngalung said.
Hindi Baptist Church, Ukhrul pastor Dominic Sopem stated that on this joyous occasion, he wanted to give thanks to God for bringing into existence the Hindi Baptist Church in Ukhrul town.
"May the majesty and grandness of Jesus Christ be celebrated and rejoiced across every nook and comer with Christmas celebrations," he said.
He also conveyed that the members of his Church including women and children were joining the night carol procession on the Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, Ukhrul police station OC inspector M Khogen has extended warm Christmas greetings to all who are celebrating the festival.
He conveyed that in view of the festival, the police department is making all-out efforts to ensure a peaceful celebration for the people by keeping strict vigil in the town.
He maintained that at the advice of SP Ukhrul, the department is deploying police personnel at various points of the town to check indulgence in illegal drugs and intoxicants.
The Christmas vibe is also evident in the way people are out for strolls in the streets and at the venues where illuminated Christmas trees and stars are put up, for snapping photos with friends and families.
Churches of different denominations have lined up a series of festivities including traditional feasting and sporting events for the week long celebrations.