From the Chaplaincy

Unforgettable Christmas

I was once asked, “What is your most memorable Christmas?”

Here is my story.

When? 25th December, many, many years ago.

Where? An indeterminate spot between Coffee Bay and Port St Johns, on the Transkei Coast, Southern Africa.

With whom? My husband and two sisters.

Gifts? A lot of laughter, love, appreciation, and a sense of wellbeing.

Food and drink? Muesli and dehydrated vegetables. A few drops of water at the bottom of our water cannisters. 

Circumstances? It was just past midday, and the scorching sun was beating down from a cloudless sky. We had just found a compact spot on the beach, a perfect place to pitch our tent. Uppermost in our minds was to source some fresh water. Loaded with the almost empty cannisters, my husband and sisters set off inland, while I remained on the beach with our belongings. Five hours later they returned, water cannisters brimming, radiant smiles, and a story to tell.

Having crossed several hills and valleys, my family spotted a Xhosa village on the next hill. A small boy, perched on top of a lookout ran ‘helter-skelter’ out of sight. As the three reached the village, the headman approached and smilingly greeted them, surrounded by a crowd of inquisitive villagers. My family held up the water cannisters to communicate our need for fresh water. They gesticulated their understanding with nods of affirmation, but, clearly, the villagers wanted to include the unexpected visitors in a welcoming ritual.

They were ushered into a large, thatched hut and invited to sit, cheek to jowl, with as many people as could fit around the perimeter. A fire was lit in the middle and a considerably large kettle perched on top with water. While that was coming to the boil, a tin of ‘brew’ was passed from person to person for a communal ‘sip’. Having done the round, the brew was replaced with freshly boiled coffee and again passed around for a communal sip. A sense of welcomeness and generosity was clearly communicated, and this was extended when my family was led to a natural spring and their cannisters filled with the pristine, crystal-clear water. An extra leather pouch with a draw string was offered, a precious gift indeed. No common language was exchanged but the unconditional kindness was eloquently expressed.

My family were well on their way back when one of my sisters noticed, with distress, that she’d left her hat behind. As they stoically turned around to retrace their steps, they saw with joy and gratitude the same little ‘lookout’ boy hollering in the distance, and waving the hat. They ran towards each other and when they met, the little boy fell to his knees and, with both hands, held up the hat like an offering. So humble!

There were no colourfully wrapped gifts with ribbons and bow that day, but something infinitely more substantial - peace and goodwill – the same message the angels gave to the shepherds on that momentous occasion two millenniums ago: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward humankind." (Luke 2:14)

Our message to the Huntingtower Community is in the words of this beautiful hymn. Please click on the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRFNg-Eyt_0

With warm regards and blessings,

From the Chaplaincy