Christmas Joy

They came from miles away, on foot, to the joyous celebration of Christmas. These were Baoule Christians, trekking from their villages afar to join together at the little C&MA church in Beomi, Cote d’Ivoire. Everyone was excited! Babies clapped, children danced, woman sang, men chanted as they pitter-pattered down the dusty dirt road leading to Beomi. Some villagers were barefoot, others wore slippers; but all adorned themselves with joy and anticipation.

 
Arriving at the church, the Baoule families were greeted by Pastors and friends. Family histories were exchanged, and each person was made to feel welcome, however much talk that took! Finally, festive preparation began. Each family pulled out food they had carried with them on their journey: yams and okra, peanuts and palm nuts, dried fish and live chickens. The women set up their cooking pots outside, while the children unrolled their sleeping mats onto the church floor. The men began beating their drums and everyone broke out into singing. Chants of Christmas joy could be heard late into the night.

 
As soon as daylight dawned the following morning, Baoule Christians shared their joy, from missionary house to missionary house! Each Christmas Day, this great celebration of the birth of Christ radiated its light and joy from the ‘little Baoule church in Beomi’—–throughout their entire community.

Add comment December 22nd, 2006