"O Holy Night...this is the time of our dear Savior's birth"
"Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the earth"
As far as I can recall I have happily joined in singing these (and plenty more) lyrics in abundance every Christmas season. I always look forward to that day after thanksgiving when it becomes somehow acceptable to blast the Christmas music as you sip peppermint hot cocoa or bake cookies for hours on end. And I do find that I value the lyrics of Christmas worship songs more and more each year as they carry such truth and importance. This year was no different especially being so far from home.
For people here in Uganda Christmas can look different among families just like in the states but primarily it is marked by the time of year when the cows , goats, and chickens are butchered, the students and town dwellers are hustling home to their villages, and new church dresses are being purchased for Christmas day service. Christmas day typically consists of a church worship service reflecting on the true reason for this season, an abundance of special once-a-year foods, and families together. Among the majority of families presents are not a component of Christmas.
I do not want to mislead you to think I don't appreciate the traditions of gift-giving. I was overjoyed to receive a Christmas season package from my family at home and unwrap a few gifts on Christmas day with them via Skype. I do want to share how easy it is to fail to reflect on the amazing miracle that Christmas represents. What do our material things have on the gift of salvation that was given years ago in the form of a baby wrapped in some old rags and laying in a feeding box? The first Christmas had gift-giving (the wise men gave fancy gifts!), and beautiful worship from angels above, but through it all Jesus was the main focus. Let us never get too busy that we fail to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season (as I have done too many Christmases).
This Christmas was truly a gift. With the lack of the endless Christmas advertisements, crazy store sales and extravagant decorations here in Mbarara, I was truly feeling "peace on earth" this Christmas season. With the lack of hype and climactic build up that I commonly experienced back home, Christmas morning felt just like the start of another sunny day with the roosters crowing. Upon waking up I had to remind myself that it was in fact Christmas day. With a wide open day ahead of me I was able to rest, read, and rejoice in the birth of Jesus. I topped of my evening video chatting with loved ones back home and attending a nice dinner with friends, making this Christmas day a very special day indeed.
I hope that this Christmas season was a sweet one for you all of you with family, friends, delicious food and meaningful reflection. I am so thankful for such continuous support and love from back home. As this new year approaches let us continue to glorify the Lord everyday and in all we do!
If you enjoy photos I would love to share with you some snapshots from my Christmas Break outing with new friends:
Mt. Elgon towering over the town of Mbale
The view from our little cabin dormitory!
The next series of photos capture part of the extensive coffee making process that is the livelihood of so many families in the Sipi area. We met a local man who allowed us to try out our skills making a cup of coffee starting from picking the colorful beans of the coffee tree!
Anika and I climbed up a small little butte to capture some sunrise shots over the valley. Imagine waking up to this every morning!
The first of a three series waterfall through the valley.
A glance at the daily life in this area. A woman carrying water atop her head, cows grazing and some boys dancing around with sticks and practicing the traditional dance they use during circumcision ceremonies.
Hanging out in the cave behind waterfall number two!
Anika and I abseiled the last and largest waterfall. 100 meters down (It is way further than it sounds) and it was exhilarating!
If you look closely I am a small little dot just to the left of the waterfall below the green brush line!
Our creator is so good!
Blessings,
Meggie
