Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh – The Message

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:11

Going for holidays has always been the joy of every child, of which it is a commitment to freedom, as against the early morning waking up from bed to prepare for school before 7AM. One of the best holidays for kids was Christmas holiday, because it is a period where kids receive gifts in the form of foods, cash, and other kid related items. Christmas holiday happens in the month of December. School activities close on or before 14th December of each session, so as to allow pupil go for Christmas and New Year.

For me, my holiday is way more different and unique, usually because it involves travelling from Owo to Isua Akoko, in Ondo State, visiting my Maternal Grandparents who are the best oldies to have around. My Grandpa (May Heaven rest is soul) at that time, carved me a special name ‘Izal’ a name he derived from the chirping of a bird. My brothers use to mimic this name by mistaking it for the sanitary wash solution Izal.

As far as I don’t care about their jokes, I was way moved by the love of my grandparents. The duo took us to farm; and while on farm, I use to like water and fishing, an habit that followed me to my present age. While they are working I am either swimming or fishing. After the close of the day work, on our way home, I get to carry some firewood on my head, or carry the food, and plates tray, while the elderly ones takes the heavy loads. That is the benefit of been the youngest (not the last born).

I remember a particular day that we had to leave for farm at dawn, because in the tradition of the land, on Market days, it is taboo to go farming. To evade that tradition, you are to leave before dawn. This particular day, I ate Rice & Okra soup, that was my first and last time. Though awkward but it stand to be an experience.

2018: During a Christmas holiday in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Grandma loves having her grandchildren around. She has a gifted hands to dishes, Hilda Baci is learning work with the expertise of my Grandma. Foods were prepared in pots that is as black as asphalt, that a single stain will take some moments of washing. Those were things we pride in, and then we took water from a clay pot that is always cool anytime of the day,  giving that refreshing taste.

Is this post about my Grandma, NO! But it is a memory brought back to life. I am in a 7 days writing Challenge with a friend from Kenya Empress of Bookingham on X, and we are writing about Christmas and the festive periods.

In my Grandparent house lie a couple of smaller units of Sedimentary rocks, where we play hide and seek and also sleeps on at night. We sometimes fight or take turns on who uses a particular one, and sometimes it is the most stubborn that takes the benefits. In this case, myself and I, because I will always report anyone who challenged me.

 

The rock is smooth, that I do think of the memories with my female class mates that I am affectionately drawn to. There is this particular one, Nnena, who later became the Headgirl, she is fair, way taller than me, I am more than captivated by her beauty! And another one, whom I once wrote a letter of interest of love to, but was caught in the act, which form the basis for my popularity in elementary school. Christmas became a moment of joy, peace, love and 'Jesus only is the message!'

As we approach Christmas, I seek to see Christians brings out the gift of Gold, and Frankincense and Myrr, in the form of food, water and supportive spirit to the born babies (humans). The esscence of Christmas is Jesus, and the message he brought is one of redemption, hope, calling all humans to God.

This is my entry for day 1, and I do hope to see you come back tomorrow for a continued story!