Nagaland and Assam governor P.B. Acharya and his wife Kavita Acharya hosted pre-Christmas celebration at Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall, Kohima on December 14.\nDelivering his greetings, Acharya reminded that Christmas was the spirit of giving without expecting anything in return. Stating that Jesus Christ came to Earth and gave His life \u201cso that we may live\u201d, the governor said \u201cHis actions and His words remind us that service to others is central to our lives and that sacrifice and unconditional love must guide us and inspire us to lead lives of compassion, mercy and Justice.\u201d
\nAcharya said the spirit of Christmas was the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness, adding that \u201cit illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world\u2019s busy life and become more and more interested in ourselves.\u201d
\nHe further said that the true spirit of Christmas also reflected a dedication to helping those in need, to giving hope to one in despair, and to spread peace and understanding throughout the Earth.
\nOn the occasion, he called for praying to God for the well being of all, for peace and for security and for prosperity, for development and for happiness of everyone. Governor then said this Christmas \u201cwe give thanks for the blessings God has granted to our State and Nation and in each of our lives.\u201d
\nHe prayed that the joy of the season renew \u201cour commitment to working together for a future of peace, opportunity and hope.\u201d Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and blessed and wonderful New Year 2016, the governor said \u201clet us strive that 2016 brings peace, prosperity to our beautiful Nagaland and our motherland India.\u201d
\nAlso, delivering greetings on the occasion, Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang said Christmas was not only the most important festival of the Christians, but also the most popular festival all over the world. He said Christmas was a time to strengthen existing bonds, to build new relationships, to celebrate the joy and cheer of festivity, and most importantly, extend \u201cour love and good will to one and all.\u201d
\nZeliang thanked and appreciated the governor P.B Acharya and his wife for hosting pre-Christmas celebration despite being non-Christians. He added that it showed that the catholicity of his religious outlook and philosophy.
\nAs it was getting close to the end of 2015, chief minister called upon all take this opportunity to greet and appreciate the government officials, social workers and members of the civil society organisations, tribal hohos and the NGOs, who have put in honest and hard works during the year.
\nZeliang also urged all including those who could not do well this year to do even better in the coming year.
\nThe chief minister, as head of the state government, thanked God for enabling \u201cus to sail through the stormy weather, in the politics and governance of the state, and also to close the year on a peaceful note, with a rare degree of unity and cohesiveness amongst the elected representatives of the people.\u201d
\nThe chief minister also wished all the people of the state a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2016. He expressed hope that the coming year would be a good year for all.
\nUrging all to abstain from any form of hatred, ill-will or violence during this Christmas season, chief minister called for spreading love and good will to everybody instead. \u201cThis way, we can all contribute towards bringing peace in our society, and towards resolving our protracted Naga political issue,\u201d he underlined.
\nThe Christmas message was delivered by Kohima Baptist Churches pastors\u2019 fellowship (KBCPF) president Rev.Dr. Vevo Phesao.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"