Reflection during Advent

I have always loved this word: Incarnation! It captures the glorious mystery of God becoming human in the person of Jesus! Incarnation is a sacred word, a mystery bringing a sense of awe and wonder. I cannot explain the real meaning but I know and experience that God was here on this earth in flesh and anniversary of this mystery is celebrated every year and we call it CHRISTMAS.

I was fortunate to have the Scripture learning group at Ave Maria Pastoral center while I was preparing for this article. They shared with me the popular and common understanding of the celebration at the end of the year. Some thoughts below are taken from their sharing.
The concept of incarnation in African traditions varies across the continent, yet it commonly embodies the belief in the divine or spiritual entities manifesting in human form. This notion is deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and philosophical frameworks of many African societies, reflecting rich beliefs and practices.

African traditional religions often acknowledge the presence of spiritual beings that can inhabit or manifest through individuals, conveying messages, guidance, and powers. The idea of incarnation manifests in several forms across different cultures.

Traditional Africa celebrated end of the year for a week but they did not have an idea about what they were celebrating. It was a Celebration without the mention of Christ or his birth. There was no Advent and four weeks of preparations, no advent wreaths and candles and flowers. It was celebrations of family gatherings and food and drinks in Abundance. The meaning of celebration was to end the year and to celebrate the memories of the ancestors.
Ancestors are seen as embodiments of wisdom, guidance, and a connection to the spiritual realm. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings are made to honor and communicate with these ancestral spirits, acknowledging their continued presence and influence.

In preparation for the end of the year and to thank the ancestors they would brew a special traditional beer long before the day. On the day of celebration, they would gather under a particular tree called “Marula” (a common tree in South Africa) and offer the beer to the ancestors by a prominent family member and then begin the celebration. They pour the beer on the ground calling out the names of all those ancestors from their families. The intention was to receive their blessings to be happy and healthy. On the 25th of December they would greet each other with the word “Happy, Happy”. They invoke ancestors and appease them for good health and prosperity. Joy and Happiness are part of African life. Hearty laughs, music and rhythmic dancing are natural expressions of African life and they are more visible as the year comes to a close and as they venerate the ancestors.

With the coming of Christianity, the meaning has changed and it is the Birthday of Jesus. Though many follow the traditions the Christians celebrate Christmas with much Joy and exuberance. December is the hottest time of the year in Africa and we do not have a snowy Christmas. So, in the midst of struggles and difficulties I have often heard the South Africans say, God is here and all shall be well. When I hear this phrase, the word that comes to my mind is -Incarnation- Emmanuel, God is with us, and everything will be fine. A beautiful phrase of unconditional trust and hope in God and that is the essence of Christmas, all other Feasts and every Celebrations.

Prepared by Sr. Marita Kurian SSpS
Ave Maria Pastoral Centre
South Africa.

Below is a Poem taken from a Picture- author unknown

Our African Christmas

In Africa it’s Christmas
and there’s no mistletoe,
no holly and no reindeer;
no robin in the snow.
But there’s a red poinsettia
and bright flamboyant too;
and gentle-eyed impala
to see our God child through.
In Africa it’s Christmas and Christmas beetles sing,
throughout the town and country
to our New Born King!
In Africa the sky is all alight;
Peace on Earth and Goodwill
to all men on this night.
Around our glowing campfire
come join our barbecue
and may the joys of Christmas
ever be with you.
In Africa it’s Christmas and Christmas beetles sing,
throughout the town and country
to our New Born King!
May your South African Christmas
be filled with love, peace, and goodwill
to everyone who crosses your path.

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Sr. Marita Kurian, SSpS is a missionary in the Botswana-South Africa Region and is a member of the Ave Maria Pastoral Centre team in the Diocese of Tzaneen, South Africa. She was a secondary school teacher in Botswana before being transferred to South Africa and is a teacher by profession.