Christmas in Mozambique
Friday, December 25, 2015 at 4:54PM CHRISTMAS IN MOZAMBIQUE (written by the pastors of the Lutheran Church in Mozambique)
There is no Christmas Tree in Mozambique. They don’t have this tradition and this kind of tree is not cultivated there.
There are no lights all over inside and outside the houses, shops and streets. They don’t even have electricity in most of their villages.
There are no sweets and homemade cookies and cakes for children and adults to enjoy. If they have a plate of rice or something more, that’s all. Their daily food is chima (ugali), made from white corn flour. Rice is only for special occasions.
There are neither gifts to share nor toys for the children. There is no money to buy any gift.
There is no Christmas dinner with a table full of nuts, dry and fresh fruits, and a special tender/gammon or any other kind of meat. They don’t even have tables in their straw huts.
St. Claus sleigh doesn’t have Mozambique on his route. Father Christmas: “What is that?”
There is no last minute rush to the malls and shopping. There are no malls and their needs are straight related to their stomach.
BUT THERE IS STILL CHRISTMAS IN MOZAMBIQUE:
A Christmas full of songs and joy when the Christians gather together in the church to celebrate the coming of the Saviour;
A Christmas full of thanksgiving prayers that the true Light is shining upon them now, because they were wandering in darkness in the recent past;
A Christmas full of hope when the Gospel is read and the promises of God are renewed;
A Christmas full of love when the extended family come together after the church service to celebrate and to share a pot of rice and maybe a piece of meat if they can afford it;
A Christmas centered on Christ, and not focused on other kinds of traditions, that are good and that I enjoy a lot; but for some people the traditions are more important than Christ…
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people” – also for the people in Mozambique! “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you” – also for the people in Mozambique! “He is the Christ the Lord!” – Luke 2: 10-11.
*Translated by President Emeritus Rev. Carlos Walter Winterle
If you are interested in supporting the church’s work in Mozambique, please send your gift designated for "60606 - Mozambique" to:
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
PO Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
Or to:
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Mission Central
40718 Hwy. E16
Mapleton, IA 51034