An evening of warmth

We have been observing Christmas traditions from around the world on different nights on the ship. This last Friday most of the crew took part in Carols by Candlelight. This is an Australian tradition. ( And American but maybe don't tell them)

So after dinner the crew spilled out on to the dock just as the sun was going down. It  was quite warm out as it is dry season. currently the Harmattan is blowing. 

The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterized by dry^[1] and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea (wikipedia)  

Fortunately it is not quite as dramatic here as the pictures below. I took these down from the Internet. But it has been quite dusty and very warm. It makes for some lovely sunsets.

So back to the dock. The sun set and the theme for my evening began to develop. I felt a warm breeze coming off the river. It was gentle and caused all the candles to flicker and dance. Some of them were extinguished by the breeze. This cause the kids to scurry about wanting to be the one to light the next candle. The music began and voices were raised. It was supposed to be Australian, but every song was comforting and familiar and reminded me of home. 

 

The tide was changing and waves were coming up the river and lapping against the ship and the dock. The sound was soothing and relaxing. Now warm wax dripped through my cup and ran down my candle and onto my fingers. It was warm and soft and hardened as it hit my skin. 

 

 

The evening sky went from twilight, to a deep blue and then to inky black. The candles danced, their light warm, lighting the face of each person holding it. The music and lyrics to the songs warming our hearts.

As we were singing O Holy night, the lyric ...He knows our need to our weakness he is no stranger, my heart and spirit were filled and I suddenly felt warm tears spilling from my eyes. I was not sad but overcome with the awe of what Jesus has done for us. How he left Heaven, left all that is perfect , right and just and came to save us. I was undone.Reread the lyrics below, hear the music in your heart, and let God fill you with the wonder of His love.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

The evening continued with more worship of our Savior and King. Another wonderful moment came when we sang Silent Night. It began with us all singing in English, then the same verses continued with different groups of crew members from different nations, singing the same song in the native language. It continued for many minutes with at least 12 different languages having the chance to sing it. It was such a lovely moment. The warmth of friendship and the bond of Christ evident in the arms embracing those around them . It was a special evening and I will remember it as one of the highlights of my Christmas in Cameroon. 

To all of you a very Merry Christmas. May this season draw you ever closer to our Savior King.  

Isaiah 9:6-7
⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.