Welcome Baby Jesus, Welcome Hilarious Joy!

Joy grows when it is expressed. So how will you express the joy of welcoming baby Jesus this year? In Cameroon, Africa, hilarious joy is overflowing and abundant!

Franklin Berinyuy from Cameroon says, “An African expresses joy by dancing.” After a baby is born, the friends of the mother come. They compose songs after seeing the baby. They accompany these songs with dancing because of their hilarious joy.

On Christmas day, Christians in Cameroon gather in church. But they don’t stand in one place to sing--they dance down the aisle to a Jesus manger in the front. They express hilarious joy through dancing, clapping their hands, and moving their bodies.

At home, the people of Cameroon feast with friends. No one needs an invitation to come and feast in a home. Families consider it a blessing and an honor when others come to eat. Hilarious joy erupts because there is plenty for everyone!

Here are two ways you can bring African joy into your celebration of Jesus’ birth:

• Compose a simple song such as Welcome baby Jesus, Welcome baby Jesus, Welcome baby Jesus, You have come to be my Savior! Clap a rhythm. Add more rhythm with bells or homemade instruments. Dance in a circle with hilarious joy as you sing and move with the rhythm.

• Prepare your home for an “open house.” Welcome friends and neighbors joyfully with your greetings and the sharing of Christmas treats.

By Carol Reinsma from the United States and Franklin Berinyuy from Cameroon