A Savior, Which is Christ the Lord

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Last year you were told how Hungarians celebrate Christmas, so you’ll be saved from the same information twice, but I’ll share some things that weren’t included in last year’s Christmas post. The market in city center started at the end of November. Ever since Hungary decided that they should have businesses open on Sundays, which was just a few months ago, people have frequently been out and about on the weekends. Now they can enjoy the Christmas market too. It makes Nyíregyáza seem much more lively when there are people walking around. Ok the picture to the right doesn't have any people in it, but believe me, there were some.

Since Santa comes to Hungary on December 6th, there were chocolate Santa figurines in my boots that morning. Fortunately, I was a good child and didn’t get a birch stick (the equivalent of coal in your stocking). Most of the class Christmas parties are finished. Now, many people are just stressed about the Christmas programs that are performed in front of parents. I attended one Christmas concert in the Lutheran church. It was great, but man, the church was freezing. It felt colder inside than it did outside. There are seat warmers, so while your buns are cooking, the rest of your body is turning into an icicle, waiting to shatter on the floor. The choir sang in their winter coats and scarves, and it really did sound great.

I gave a presentation on what American Christmases are like, and compared it to a Hungarian Christmas. One of the biggest differences that were of interest to the students included Santa. To them, Santa is an old bearded man who looks pretty much the same as an American Santa, but he carries a shepherd’s staff. It was amazing for them to find that Santa’s reindeer actually had names except, of course, Rudolf. They had heard his song before, but not the little quips of “like a lightbuld!” or “like Pinocchio!” The kids disregard the beginning of that song where the other poor reindeer names are sung. These reindeer weren’t good enough to make it in the chorus, so they weren’t good enough for the students to notice. Kids also found it crazy that the reindeer actually flew through the air, because that would be impossible!

While they reveled in these new fantastic ideas, I was surprised they didn’t think it was strange that Santa went down everyone’s chimney to give presents. I expected things like, “What if you don’t have a chimney?” or, “My chimney is really narrow. How can he fit?” But, none of those questions came up, wanting all the while to ask, “If the reindeer don’t fly in Hungary, how does Santa get on the roof to go down your chimney?” I decided not to confuse them, and figured Santa could just climb up on the roof if he’s nimble enough to squeeze down a narrow chimney.

Eggnog isn’t something that Hungarians enjoy. I thought I might make some for my host family one day, but looked at a recipe and concluded that it wouldn’t taste anything like the eggnog from Wal-Mart enjoyed at home, so I chickened out. Upon hearing the name of this drink, students deduced that it might taste like eggs, and who would want to drink that? I tried to explain what it tasted like, but did a horrible job of that too. Considering all of the strange things eaten in Hungary on a daily basis, I expected them to just trust me, like I trust them, but the feeling isn’t mutual.

As for decorating the Christmas tree, I told the students that my parents had finished decorating ours at home and they strung together popcorn. Well this was totally absurd. Why would you put food on your Christmas tree? After asking them what they put on their trees, they said, “We put ornaments and candy on ours!” Looking a little quizzical, because they just weren’t getting the point, I told them that candy was food. They weren’t quite satisfied.

At the end of my Christmas presentations, I always talk about the real reason we celebrate Christmas, and how going to church with my family back home is my favorite part of the winter holiday. The choirs are singing, the children reciting and the brass is tooting who knows what. Church is missing from so many families’ lives. This gives me a lot to think about. It’s sad because I look forward to this part of Christmas; a big celebration that cheers and calms me, even though the world is full of sin. I hope that some students will hear me and understand why Christmas is even a holiday, and maybe some will get their parents to take them to church. If not, I’m glad God has put me in a position where I can let them know more about Jesus. So pray for these kids and from Túróczy Zoltán Evangelical School, we wish you a Merry Christmas (or if you’re in 1st grade, a Very Very Christmas or Magic Christmas)! Hey, they’re trying.