My first Christmas in Lagos is a nightmare. Fuel scarcity has been the order of the day; fewer buses available, more grumpy commuters and yet, insane traffic! It’s absolutely crazy. Today, my bus driver was a daredevil. Not in a good way. He kept brushing his bus against monstrous trucks, exchanging rash words in the process. He followed shortcuts that were unlawful at the risk of causing his passengers harm. But who could blame him? We all wanted to be out of that hellish traffic and heat as fast as we could. But how fast is death?

Finally, harmattan has come. That means, dust instead of snow and dryness instead of moist. Sadly, instead of cold, this year, the weather has been really hot. Is the world coming to an end? I mean, it’s Christmas for crying out loud! My most favourite time of the year! Does Lagos have a way of turning this into just another struggle for survival?

Alright, maybe I’m over-reacting. Trust me, I’m not. It’s really crazy right now. It kinda makes me think of the world before the birth of Jesus. Maybe, it was as bleak as this. With people spending more on transport, living out productive hours in a hold-up that wouldn’t budge, getting frustrated by a sardonic mixture of heat and dust and more people getting lost in their head and in their struggles. It must have been bleak for a people without hope. A people lost in sin with no way out. A people who were in dire need of a saviour.

In spite of the bleakness, light found its way. A no ordinary baby was born. A link to the father was created and hope was restored to mankind. I think that’s what Christmas really is about;  finding that link to the Father. And through him, we have hope for living, hope for tomorrow, hope that whatever trials we’re facing won’t faze us, hope that we don’t have to be stuck in our sins because He has saved us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! Sunbursts of light!- Isaiah 9:2 (MSG)

Does this Christmas seem bleak for you? Are you fazed by the situations you’re faced with? Don’t despair! Think on His love for you, that He sent His son into the world to die for you. May you experience light in whatever darkness you’re confronted with! I wish you the very best of this season!

Lots of love,

M.