In Indonesia, where Christians are a minority, the Christmas tree often serves as a marker of identity. My own family doesn’t keep that tradition, though my children often ask to have one. I always tell them, “That is not a tree. It is plastic that will end up stored in a warehouse like trash.” For us, a Christmas tree has always been a living one, growing quietly in front of our home.
Danang Kristiawan
Danang Kristiawan is a pastor in GITJ Jepara, Indonesia, and a teacher in Wiyata Wacana Mennonite Seminary in Pati, Indonesia.
Mennonites, Muslims are partners as well as neighbors