Naga Christian Churches and Fellowships in Shillong celebrate their first combined Advent service at the Naga Community Hall, Nagaland House, on November 30.
Shillong, November 30 (MExN): In a historic gathering for the Naga community in Shillong, all 13 Naga Christian Churches and Fellowships in the city came together for the first-ever Combined Advent Service under the theme “Emmanuel: God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The service was hosted by the Naga Christian Fellowship Shillong (NCFS) at the Naga Community Hall, Nagaland House.
The service, led by Dr Lithrongla Sangtam, Associate Pastor of NCFS, marked the beginning of the Advent season and emphasized unity among Nagas living away from their homeland. Advent, the period in which Christians prepare to welcome the birth of Christ, served as a reminder of God’s presence with His people even in a distant city.
A special Advent message was delivered by Dr Bijoy Sangma, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Baptist World Alliance, who urged the congregation to remain united in Christ in a world marked by differences and disunity. “Authentic Christian witness shines brightest when believers stand together in unity and love. For Emmanuel pulls down the barriers of tribes and denominations,” he said.
Rev Vemuriyi Avi Vadeo, Pastor of NCFS, highlighted the importance of collaborative pastoral leadership. “Pastors need to work together. Positive things happen when they come together. They become the bridge for the disconnected congregation. There they are able to reinforce the primary teaching of Jesus Christ - ministry of reconciliation, peace, and compassion,” he said.
The Invocation was offered by Rev Dr Meyu Changkiri, who thanked God for the historic gathering of all Naga churches in Shillong and prayed for guidance, strengthened witness, and deeper unity among the community.
The service included musical offerings that enriched the celebration. The NCFS Worship Team led a Christmas Carol, engaging worshippers across generations. Christmas melodies were presented by the NCFS Sunday School Ministry, Sumi Christian Fellowship Shillong, and Zeliangrong Christian Fellowship Shillong, emphasizing the role of children and youth in sustaining the faith. Rev. Ramayon Jajo, Pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Shillong, offered a prayer for the community, lifting the needs and hopes of Naga families in the city.
Additional musical contributions came from the Lotha Christian Fellowship Shillong and The Servants, a fellowship of Naga pastors in Shillong. Choral readings by pastors and leaders from Poumai, Eastern Naga, Rengma, Angami, Rongmei, and Mao fellowships symbolized the unity of tribes under Christ.
The service concluded with a Benediction by Dr. Keveseyi Vero, Chaplain of Chakhesang Christian Fellowship Shillong, and a Feast Prayer by Mr. Asumo Shitiri, Advisor of NCFS, ushering the congregation into a time of fellowship and shared meals.
Through the gathering, Naga Christian leaders conveyed a message of unity and faith. “We are more Nagas when we are away from home, and we must be more Christlike in this generation,” they said.
