Merry Christmas

The hot days of Christmas are here. J As I was walking the other day a native spoke of the "dust of Christmas".  We walk with our heads down at times, trying to keep the dust particles from hitting our eyes.

 

It is different celebrating Christmas in Africa.  No one here has the need for mittens, scarves or winter coats. Balloons become the holiday decoration in many homes. A Christmas card received becomes a cherished gift for many years.  One cookie & a glass of juice, diluted with water, becomes a treat for the children attending church on Christmas morning.

 

The hungry stomachs of children & adults still prevail no matter what the calendar says.  The parents desire to satisfy the child's pain of hunger intensifies as the holiday nears.

 

Discussions of shopping, gifts bought, wrapping, a tree to cut & decorate, and lights for the house are never heard. What echoes in my ears are the over heard conversations of   -

 

I have no food to feed my children.

I've sent my children away.

Do you have food at your house?

What will you eat on Christmas day?

Let's all bring whatever we have to the church & eat together.

 

Many will gather together and share what they have with friends & neighbors.

 

Our Christmas Day Service will start at 9 am. We will be showing the 2hr Jesus video followed by a hot meal for all the adults and children that attend.  We want every child to go home with a lollipop and a happy tummy J 

 

We pray it will be a day of rejoicing and happiness for many here in the slums of Kawangware.

 

Let love fill your heart & home as you celebrate the birth of our Savior, "Jesus Christ".

 

Merry Christmas.