« A Togolese Christmas by Sherry »

In yesterday's Awaken, Rex talked about the Advent Calendar that we used when our children were small. I want to discuss what it was like to celebrate Christmas in Togo about a decade before our children were being introduced to the meaning of Christmas with the Advent Calendar.

Our Togolese friends are accustomed to celebrating. Just drive along the coastline of Togo and watch the daily fishing routine. Two large canoe like boats, each boat pulling one side of a large net, leave the shore. Men await the return of the two boats and the net that is full of fish. Then the men on shore began pulling the net full of fish ashore as the women with large basins wait for their portion of the day's catch which they later dry in the sun. As the net is being pulled on to the shore, they sing and dance making the hard work look like fun. It seemed they were able to make any activity a party.

Some of our Togolese friends knew of our Western Christmas traditions but to others it was their first time to celebrate Christmas. There was no talk of Santa, elves, shopping, Christmas movies, etc. Only the pure sweetness of seeing this amazing event in history becoming real to these new believers.

When we packed up to leave the States for Togo, I bought bundles of washcloths. I found inexpensive items at the market for children like small rubber balls. I wrapped each woman one washcloth and a small gift for each child in colorful paper. For me, color is synonymous with Africa........you should see the myriad of vibrant colors displayed in the cloth for women's dresses at the Lome' Market.

We had the Christmas service at our house. We introduced Christmas carols in French and read the Biblical account of the Christmas story. We had refreshments, and I gave the women and children their small gifts. Wow! Did we have a party. What a sweet experience to celebrate Christmas where the Good News was so fresh and new!

The party kept going and going. Finally we explained that it was time for the party to end. This was our interesting response, "Pastor, let's stay together all night to re-enact the journey of the Shepherds as they searched

for the Christ-child!" We managed to close off the party after midnight but from then on, when we celebrated Christmas in Togo, we were prepared to celebrate in parallel fashion to the Shepherds who had heard the angels

announcement of Jesus' birth.

As these memories come to mind, I feel gratitude for the privilege of experiencing those days. It is no wonder that I love Christmas!

Sherry