A Gumuz-style Christmas

 Christmas is celebrated throughout Ethiopia on January 7^th by Protestants and Orthodox. But the Gumuz still have little experience in celebrating Christian holidays. Last Christmas, we were at a conference and the Gumuz were unable to celebrate due to an outbreak of violence. Yet we believe, it is important for believers to celebrate the birth of the long awaited Savior.   It is reminds us not only of how Jesus came to earth but why he came to earth. It is an opportunity for us as believers to share the good news (just as the shepherds did so long ago) with all we meet.

Our hope is that Gumuz celebrate Christmas in such a way that it continues long after the foreign missionaries leave. Because of this, we spend time discussing different ideas but the decisions are in their hands. Advent Sundays were celebrated by teaching from Isaiah and the book of Luke and singing songs that corresponded with the text.  They presented short dramas on several occasions such as the angel coming to Mary.

Due to our emergency exit from Gesses, they were on their own for the final preparations.Yet in many ways this was good.  It would be done Gumuz-style which is often more spontaneous than we would be comfortable with.

In the end, we weren't disappointed.  The Christmas story was preached and the songs were sung with enthusiasm. Towards the end of the service, the drum was carried out by two women on a long pole and the service went into the open air.

 

              Carrying the drum out of the church and into the open air.

 

                                            For the next 2 hours, the Gumuz men and women sang and danced, running up and down the path singing the good news of Jesus. In traditional celebrations such as a wedding; men and women sing separate songs simultaneously running, jumping, and whistling. Sweat pouring down their faces, they stomped their feet, shouted and trumpeted. How sweet it was to see them celebrate Christmas in this way – from the heart!

 

The women's dance.

 

Two separate songs being sung simultaneously:  a song of Mary and the song of the shepherds.    

The men traditionally carry sticks along with them as they run up and down the path.

The time ended by drinking a roasted barley drink. The goat they now desired could no longer be purchased but there is always next year.  The church is still young and members come from different villages but they are forming a fellowship; that worships the Lord gladly.