Christmas is much different here. MUCH less commercial, dry, dusty and hot, which is much different that we experience in Minnesota. This is not all bad but the change in weather and festive surrounds did always help set us in the mood to bake and think more about this season being special because of Christ's birth.
Yesterday we did have the opportunity to celebrate and spend a special afternoon with our Nigerian co-workers from the SIM office and their families. I was struck by the fact that our three wise men we truly 'men from afar', they were from New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland. We had men, women, and children from many tongues, tribes, and nations all helping in the program to honor Christ, the reason for this season.
It was a special day and we feel very honored to be here bringing the good news to all people.
As we worshipped in the chapel this morning it again struck me that we are part of something so much bigger than just one family from Minnesota working in Jos. We worship at Hilcrest chapel with people from many countries and Nigerian tribes ALL honoring and bringing praise to the same God and Father. The family of God is a great, diverse family, one which I am SO thankful to be a part of. One of the Christmas songs we sang this morning was, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". The fourth verse really hit me as I think of the people we have been sent to work with and bring the love of Christ to:
"O come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease; Fill all the world with heaven's peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!"
Tonight we will celebrate again with this diverse family as we attend the Nine Lessons and Carols Service in the chapel and enjoy a tea time afterwards for fellowship.
May your times of Celebration this year reflect the true reason for this season, Christ coming to save the world. He is GOD WITH US.
