Christmas Greetings!

 

  We often get asked if they celebrate Christmas in Ghana, or how they celebrate Christmas. In many ways it is similar, in many ways it is different. The most obvious is the weather and did you ever think about how much Christmas decor, songs and even food center around cold, snowy weather. Well even though we don't have the snow, you still see decorations with snow flakes and hear people sing Jingle Bells.

  I really think Christmas itself is celebrated well. We were invited to our local school for their Christmas Caroling. And many schools would have a special morning of singing carols and have a Christmas party of some kind before they go on Christmas break. There have been a lot of church services. Some "all night", more like 9 - 12, like the one just across a field from us that we listened to the sermon after we went to bed since they had very loud loud speakers!

  Sadly Christmas is overshadowed by the party that happens between Christmas and New Years. Many villages have a masquerade parade with people dressed up and terrible looking masks. I knew this but hadn't really thought too much about it till we were talking with the children about the horrible masks; it really is a worship of ancestors. They say it is harmless and it is just fun. But it actually isn't. It is directly linked to their traditional/ pagan worship. There are the floats. A vehicle with as many speakers as fit that moves slowly down the road with a mob of people marching and dancing around it. So much immorality surrounds them. But some young men told Kenny, it is what makes us happy! Everyone should be happy, this is our way. Many villages have speakers brought in and blast loud music several hours every evening. The cities like Accra have concerts and festivals every night. Many people visit from other countries and the money flows freely.

  It can be so hard to see someone we know and care for make bad choices and join the partying. To drive through our village and see the children all dancing.

  BUT! There is hope. This year a friend from the village came to Kenny and said, We need to do something about the parties. How can we change this? They had a meeting with one of the main organizers and he promised to try and tone it down. Has he been successful? Not entirely but maybe a little. Our friend also suggested that next year we should plan some activities for the young people. We told him we are happy to help! But these things go so much better if the locals do the planning and we support them and help behind the scenes.

  Our church had our first Carol service and Christmas Day service. Instead of sighing about the darkness, we want to try and give options for people to do something in the LIGHT! Were the services entirely successful? No! It's hard to be on time and get to enjoy the whole service! But they were a first step in what could be a time for our church family to invite people in to our church.

  Tonight will be New Years Eve. There will be parties but many people will actually head to church. There they will thank God for bringing them through the year, ask for forgiveness for their sins, and beg for blessings in the year ahead. We have had quite a few people ask us why our church doesn't have a New Years Eve service. Number one reason is the motive behind a lot of the services just feels wrong. The repetitious prayers that go on and on, speaking in tongues, and shouting that happens in many churches is not something we want to pattern ourselves after.

  This Christmas season has felt extra special. Since another mission family has visitors that our teacher knows, the children worked ahead and are enjoying a two week break. Our schedule has been very open and we have enjoyed days of just working at home (Kenny and the boys have a bush clearing project that they spend time on every morning). We have been housecleaning since company arrives next week. We enjoyed a day at the beach and our own little Christmas Eve with a special supper (of hamburgers and hot dogs and french fries. I know! What can I say, I let the children plan the menu!), games and gifts. We miss our families and friends as they have gatherings. We wish to curl up with hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket (although I did make hot chocolate Christmas morning, its just not as comforting in warm weather.)

  And more and more I realize (maybe I am getting old!) Christmas isn't this magical thing you look forward to and then experience. It's little moments with family and friends. It happens inside and shines out! And it needs to happen more then just one day or just one month, it should happen all year. Maybe we don't live in a perfect world but we need to find the little treasures in every day life and appreciate them for what they are.