My dear friends
Christmas '69
Christmas 1969 - how can I forget it?
Christmastime at Chibini had a hype of its own. There had to
be food - and lots of it. The menus however were very simple; white bread, red jam and
cool drink for breakfast on Christmas morning, dumplings and meat for lunch.
The main event was "ihlahla", the Christmas tree,
erected at Chibini School around which the community gathered to exchange gifts and enjoy
musical items. Some came with the intention of showing off their latest traditional or
Western outfits.
For my family a somber mood preceded Christmas '69. With Dad
being seriously ill and bankrupt that period seems to have been the darkest in the family
history. The most painful part for us was that Dad was without a car so he would miss
business during the best season for taxi-men. The otherwise exciting sound of taxis
whizzing past our house struck a sad note.
People never seem to run out of advice for those who are
deemed to be under a spell of bad luck. The main explanation given was that Dad had
somehow called upon himself the wrath of our ancestors, that was why they had turned their
faces away from him. However, one sacrifice after another failed to appease the dead.
One of the worst aspects of the saga was the constant cloud
of suspicion that darkened the heart. There is a profound belief amongst my people that
diseases, misfortunes and even accidents do not just happen; somebody, somewhere is
responsible for directing them your way. The search for supposed enemies may start far
away but usually ends by neighbours and family members.
Yes, Christmas '69 was black but it is with joy and
gratitude that I announce to you that Christmas '70 was accompanied by the sound of
angels. In what I believe was a personal family visit Christ came into our midnight and
shone His light. Dad first and those of who followed his wise decision to accept the
Saviour's invitation in the course of the year would have joined in the chorus with joy,
"Heaven came down and glory filled my
soul
when at the Cross the Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
and my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul."
As Christmas '05 approaches I am mindful of the fact that I
am the sick father. Undoubtedly Motor Neuron Disease has placed severe limitations on me
but the Lord's hand of providence has reached out for me in amazing ways. Thankfully, I
have no fear for the fury of displeased ancestors. I also do not in the least believe that
'enemies' inflicted this on me. My anchor has been the unshaken confidence that God
remains in control. Whatever the outcome, victory in His name will be proclaimed!
"Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Have a blessed weekend!
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
