The best part of the day was when we gathered with a few Toposa believers under a tree by the compound. This was away from the other celebrations that were going on which involved the Toposa dressing up in their cleanest, newest, best Western-ized Toposa gear and bringing their once-a-year offering to important "church" men from town who then put oil on their head to forgive them of their sins.
It was a joyous occasion to sing songs and then listen to Luke 1 and 2 with the believers. They discussed the truths from those chapters, about Jesus' coming as Immanuel, being born "God with us!" And then we sang some more!
The trees we worshipped under!
Part of a Toposa man's Christmas dress-up attire
Shannon reading the Bible with one of his leaders
Yes. That is a bra on her head.
She's getting ready for the festivities and made a stop by our tree to greet us.
Waiting before worship time started...
Toposa gathered around Carrie to see the picture she just took of them.
The group! Brothers in Christ!
(There were no women who came)
One of the very first luminarios in South Sudan. :)
He has come.
Let us rejoice!
"But the angel said to them,
'Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
He is Christ the Lord.'"
Luke 2:10-11
We have a funny family story about my somewhat-senile grandma and the day she wore a bra as a headband...Sounds like she would fit in in Sudan! hehehe Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pictures! Especially the sweet woman with the bra. :)
ReplyDeleteI was praying that you would really be encouraged and find such joy in Christmas in South Sudan. I'm so glad to be able to read this report. May you continue to be daily uplifted with grace, joy, peace, provision and strength as only our dear Savior can do!
Have a great new year!!!