Christmas programme

I just received the Christmas Break programme from the Chaplaincy, and I am preaching on Christmas Eve, 5pm in the Chapel.  Since it’s in the Chapel, I’m inferring that this isn’t a huge service, especially since the students aren’t around, though there is Holy Communion.  Christmas Day service is in Nkoyoyo Hall, where church services are usually held.

I asked why I was given to preach on Christmas Eve, as that is a big deal in the US, and was told that it is tradition to have a muzungu (white man) preach at that service.  I’m not quite sure how long-standing of a tradition that is, but there you go.

So, I’m trying my best not to freak out that I land in country and am given the Christmas Eve service to preach.  I’m trying to see it that I’ve been given one one of the services in the holiday.  After all, the Vice Chancellor is preaching on Christmas Day.

But I am freaking out a little.  Just a little.  I know that Christmas and New Year’s are a big deal here, sometimes with New Year’s eclipsing Christmas; I guess I would have preferred to have experienced one before participating.  But this is Africa…