A Rensburg Christmas

When Michelle and I decided to get married seven years ago it was told to us in our pre-marital counseling sessions that we would most likely find it a challenge being married to each other because of our cultural differences. Me being a South African from the Afrikaans culture and Michelle being an American but one that grew up as a missionary kid in Africa. Our pastor was right it has been more challenging to us compared to those coming from the same cultural background. A part from the cultural and language differences we have there are still some things that would remain challenging to any couple no matter their circumstances when starting their own family. One of those things would be that of how Christmas is celebrated.

Michelle’s family, because of living in Africa, decided not to celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, because it was not a holiday observed in the countries they lived and ministered in. This decision led to them enjoying the Thanksgiving meal on Christmas Day with the normal fixings of a Thanksgiving meal, the turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Their extended family all lived in the United States which had the five of them spending a day with each other. Michelle's Dad would lead them in reading the scripture of Christ’s birth and praying before they enjoyed time spent over a meal and gift giving.

My family and extended family, celebrated in a slightly different way. Everyone brought a variety of meat, lamb and gammon being some of the favorites, as well as salads to the Christmas meal. There are usually many deserts to choose from, my favorite being the pavlova. I have a very large family with twenty five to thirty people coming together every year. I find it fun to listen to them talk to each other, all at once, catching up on news from the past year. I enjoy watching and taking part in the table tennis games played by most of the uncles, aunts and cousins. The swimming pool is a great attraction since it is summer here in South Africa during Christmas. It brings back memories of my childhood years and I have enjoyed sharing those memories with Michelle on the few occasions we’ve been able to spend Christmas in Johannesburg.

Michelle and I shared our first Christmas together as our own family unit last year. We found it hilarious at times when we would try to figure out what traditions we wanted to keep from our own families Christmas festivities and what traditions we wanted to start a new with our children. The easiest decision and one we agreed upon immediately was how we were going to minister to our children on this special day. Teaching them of the true meaning of what Christmas really is, and what things were of utmost important to us.

I don’t believe it matters where you come from in the world, almost everyone uses their Christmas holidays as an opportunity to spend time with family. What is different from family to family is if the day has been set aside to remember Christ's birth. Only born again believers will understand the purpose of His mission. Many people have forgotten that is the reason for this time of year. Many have never heard that God loves them so!  Our family is committed to remind those around us of the love God has for them: sending His Son to die on the cross for our sin so that we could have eternal life. Please continue to pray for us as we share the Good News to our corner of the world! Without your prayer support we could never effectively share His Word in the strength of His power and grace. Thank you for your encouragement and for your love to our family throughout the year. In our own prayers, we thank the Lord for you. May you have a blessed Christmas together. In Christ love, Deon, Michelle, Ruan, Jesse & Julia