CHRISTMAS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Missionary Allen Konrad and his wife served in Africa, and we’ve corresponded for 40 years. Mary Lu sent us a Christmas letter from Missionary Carolos Winterle of Mozambique:

NO CHRISTMAS TREE IN MOZAMBIQUE

Fir trees don’t grow here, so a tree is not traditional.

There are no lights in houses or shops because most villages don’t have electricity.

No sweets or cookies are on the tables. Most families don’t even have tables in their straw huts.

There are no gifts for children because there is no money to buy them.

There’s no big Christmas meal, A plate of rice might there, but probably food made of white corn flower.

No Santa Claus. “Father Christmas? What’s that?”

No last minute gift shopping at the Mall because there are no Malls, and their needs are mostly food.

BUT THERE’S STILL CHRISTMAS THERE!

Christmas songs are sung with joy when Christians gather to celebrate the coming of Jesus, the Savior.

Christmas prayers express thanks because Jesus the Light shines on those who were formerly in darkness.

Christmas is full of hope when the Nativity Gospel is read and promises of God’s love are heard again.

Christmas is full of love when family comes together after worship to share pot of rice and maybe some meat.

Christmas is centered on Christ, not traditions. Those are good, but the Gospel of God’s love is more important.

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Thanks, Jesus, that You came to be Savior to us all.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com