It is once again time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
I was recently confronted with the challenge of receiving different gifts while visiting students for the internship. A turkey was the one that caught me off guard. There were turkeys roaming freely in the area I visited. Although I have consumed turkey, I haven’t given my family a live one. I thought to myself, Who will slaughter it? Turkey is a different experience, even though I have hens and chickens at home, and people know how to prepare them from the fowl to the dining table. To sum up, though, as a family, we went through an experience. Of course, we had to pay someone to assist us in killing it, therefore it won’t be a mystery for next time.
Among the other things I encountered was the hospitality of the African culture. I’m not familiar with your culture, but a lot is going on here. They don’t want to see you leave without eating when you are their guest. Additionally, if they have completely nothing, they will simply take the one chicken/hen they are raising and give it to you. They insist that they need your blessings, even though I empathize that I have had enough at home. As per their cultural beliefs, blessings are bestowed upon those who give rather than receive. I do not know how true it is, but this is biblical. “Blessed is the hand that gives more than the one that takes.” Echoing what Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
I have many people who love gifts. As for me, I don’t really care what I get or don’t get, but when I receive them and take them home, children will be very happy, and they will remember to always mention the person by name in our prayers. I know we are created differently on the other side of the coin; Emily, my wife, is that kind of person, perhaps like the mother, like the children.
At Square Ministries Africa, this is the time to bless the community by giving Christmas hampers to various needy families and hospitalized patients. I just like the joy and happiness I see among these people while receiving Christmas gifts. The thanksgiving prayers they pray are just beyond understanding!
As we celebrate Christmas 2023, it is possible to touch someone, near or far, a relative or a stranger. Maybe God wants you to surprise that soul so that He blesses you in one way or another.
Let us remember that the only gift we can give to the prince of peace who brought joy and love to us is our hearts.
Merry Christmas to everyone! And Wonderful New Year 2024!
Square Ministries Africa 