KANGPOKPI, December 13: More than 3500 people from different churches within Kangpokpi converged to celebrate the 18th Advent Christmas at Kangpokpi Christian Church today during which everyone chanted “Joy to the World, the Lord has come”.
The celebration held under the theme ‘Joy to the World’ based on Gospel Luke Chapter 2 verses 10 -14was organized by Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship annually as a mark of greeting the birth of Jesus Christ in advance in the town.
Song competition among women choir groups from 15 different churches member of KTCF was the main highlight of the occasion.
Besides Rev. Dr. Letzathang Haokip, principal of Manipur Theological College, Kangpokpi who graced the occasion as main speaker, the function was also attended by members of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills; Kangpokpi Town Committee; Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization; Kangpokpi Youth Union apart from Pastor, Reverend, Ordained Deacon, elders, members of 15 Churches within the town.
Rev. Thangjangul Touthang, Pastor, Chongthu Baptist Church Association, Kangpokpi invoked opening prayer after a melodious welcome song by Kanggui Christian Khanglai.
Rev. K. Hangshing, vice-chairman of KTCF delivered the welcome address at the occasion.
Referring to the theme of the Advent Christmas celebration, Rev. Dr. Letzathang Haokip stated that the good news the angels proclaimed is not just the good news of ‘joy’ but the good news of ‘mega joy’ for all the people.
Stating that Christmas does not come in a store as it means so much more to the people, he asserted that the core of Christmas can never be taken away because the real joy of the festival is grounded, anchored and tied to the love of God which nothing can separate it.
“Jesus was born to a virgin and was laid in a manger for one reason which was to die for our sin,’’ said Rev. Dr. Letzathang Haokip, adding that Christmas is about God giving His son to die for us.
He also suggested that in order to keep the joy this Christmas, people should remember to give worries to God, refuse to focus on what you do not have, include time for rest, never forget the reason for the season, consider future and hold thoughts captive.
“It is my desire to take preventive action that I want this Christmas to be the most joyful Christmas that any of us has ever had”, he added.
In the song competition, women choir of Kanggui Christian Church clinched the first position while Women Choir of KBC and TBA fetched second and third position respectively.
All the participants and church members were prsented a memento along with sugar and milk as a gift of Advent Christmas by Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship.