From Bethlehem to Neighbourhoods – NCCI Christmas program in New Delhi

From Bethlehem to Neighbourhoods, the Christmas Celebration of the National Council of Churches in India was attended by a cross-section of the Christian Community in the National Capital. Members of the Parliament, Officers from the Government of India and Delhi, Leaders of NCCI Member Churches and Organisations as well as friends from different faith communities graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Adv. P. Wilson MP spoke on the need of the community to continue to share Christ’s message of love to the community despite the pressing times. He offered Christmas Greetings on behalf od the Indian Christian Parliamentarians Council. Mr. Ricky Syngkon MP stressed on Christmas holding all peoples together. He also prayed for the Country and the NCCI.

Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Anil Couto, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India, Rev. Dr. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and Rev. Dr. Ajith Kumar, General Secretary of the Church of North India Synod offered Christmas Greetings on the occasion. Ms. Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director of Public Affairs, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai in India offered greetings on behalf of the different faith communities represented in and through the India Peace Centre.

His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, President of the National Council of Churches in India delivered the Christmas message. Rev. Dr. Joshua Peter, Executive Secretary United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India and Treasurer NCCI greeted all present on behalf of the NCCI. Rev. Asir Ebenezer welcomed the gathering and introduced the National Council of the Churches in India and its role and significance in today’s context.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, Bishop of the CNI Diocese of Delhi, HG John Mor Iraneus, Archbishop of the Diocese of Delhi of the Believers Eastern Church, Lt. Colonel Abraham Lincoln Mudda, Chief Secretary, Northern Territory of the Salvation Army, Rev. Edwin John Wesley, Bishop Commissary of the Delhi Diocese of the Evangelical Church in India participated in the Event. Choirs from the Church of North India, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Methodist Church in India and Ms. Grace Thaimei from Manipur presented Christmas songs in different languages that brought home the spirit of Christmas as well as the diverse contexts in which we affirm our faith and live it out.

The NCCI Christmas Programme stood as a powerful witness to ecumenical unity, inter-community harmony, and the enduring message of hope that Christmas brings to society.