December, 2001 Update

Update for December, 2001

Christmas and the Baobab Tree

Greetings and peace from our family to yours during this season of Advent,

We have been asked more than once what our first Christmas in Tanzania will be like. One thing that is different this year is our "Christmas tree". When we were on Safari, we purchased a small likeness of a baobab tree that we thought would make a nice tree from which to hang ornaments and put some presents under. It is only about two feet tall so it won't take up too much space.

The Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park are fascinating. These tall and incredibly wide trees apparently hold hundreds of gallons of water in their trunks. We were there during the dry season, and we noticed that there were marks or gouges in many of the trees. Our assumption was that elephants and other large animals had been opening these tree trunks to drink from them. These are not especially attractive trees, like one would see in Christian homes in the United States this time of year. So one may wonder why we chose a baobab for our Christmas tree this year.

For us, the symbolism of the baobab is two-fold. First, the baobab is a reminder that Jesus is our source of life, just as the baobab tree is a source of life to the animals searching for water. In John 4:14 Jesus says "The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." It is this gift of life we celebrate at Christmas. Second, wherever we are, we are to be witnesses to the Gospel. John 7:38 reads "Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water." Because the spirit fills us with life, we should be like baobab trees wherever we are, sharing the good news of the gospel with those around us. It is our prayer that through us, God may be able to water those who may be spiritually dry.

Yes, in some ways, Christmas will be different for our family than it has been in years past. (It will certainly be warmer, for one!) However, the fact that we prepare for and celebrate the birth of Jesus does not change. We will be buying and wrapping gifts for our family. We will be preparing special foods, and gathering together to celebrate with friends. We will gather together to sing carols and listen to special music. We will worship God for the gift of his Son on Christmas morning. And we will witness the magic of Christmas through the eyes of our children. One nice thing that is different is that we are not being bombarded by the commercialism that you are likely experiencing now. In the hustle and bustle of finding that perfect gift for that special someone, it is easy to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas. Our hope for you is that you will find time to experience the joy we share with all Christians around the world. God has already given all of us the perfect gift, eternal life through his son, Jesus. We'll be thinking of you while we decorate our baobab tree.

May your Advent and Christmas Seasons be blessed.
Dan and Cathy Smith

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Dan, Cathy, Sarah, Emily and Grace Smith
PO BOX 15128
Arusha
Tanzania
http://www.goodshepherdkettering.com/pages/mission.html
missionaries@goodshepherdkettering.com
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