a gift from God

Namirembe Cathedral (Church of Uganda – Anglican), 7pm this past Sunday night 7 December, Candlelight Lessons and Carols. Absolutely wonderful. Such a treat. Majestic rough hewn African Cathedral with great acoustics, pews, organ, choir stalls, men and boys choir complete with black robes and the boys wearing stiff ruffled collars, OT and NT scripture readings telling the story of the birth of the Christ child, and carols for the packed house audience to sing along with. It was sooooooo nice. There were of course the reminders that you were in fact in Africa…the birds flying around the sanctuary, the people around you talking throughout the entire service, the fluorescent tube lights plastered to the wall randomly throughout the sanctuary, the fact that only the choir had candles and they were only lit during the processional carol, the tacky Christmas tree only half lit with lights that were colored and blinking. But TIA, what do you expect? It just adds character. On a more serious note, a very serious note, I was again reminded that TIA when the Vicar’s prayers to open the service included prayers “that those who bear responsibility for the well being of the nations may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together in the cause of justice, freedom and peace…for the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the fearful and the bereaved; for the poor and helpless, the hungry and the oppressed…” and to close the service included prayers for the places in this country where there has not been peace for a very long time, and likewise for Zimbabwe, and for comfort for the family of the child whose life was allegedly sacrificed in ceremonial witchcraft (buried alive in the cement foundation of a building) in the last couple of weeks here in Kampala in pursuit of prosperity and success for the building owner…These are realities here. These are the realities that people here are very aware of, talking about and praying about, in a time of year when most of the world wishes to forget about these kinds of things.

It wasn’t just the ambiance and atmosphere that was gifted to me that evening, but also a new perspective on a few old carols I’ve sung all my life…for instance, “born that man no more may die” (Hark! The herald angels sing)…wow, that’s right. That’s what this is about! God sent his Son, born to a young teenager, in a manger in Bethlehem, so that through This Life we might ALL have life…that death would be conquered. With all of the death in my life here, this is gospel. Thanks be to God.