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Three Wise Women

There are five murals in St. James Cathedral

in Muranga, Kenya. They were painted by

Elimo Njau in 1959, a time of violence and

uncertainty as the country fought for its

independence.

The murals tell the story of the life and death

of Jesus from an African perspective. The

first one tells the story of Jesus’ birth, at the

time of the troubles, when people were

confined to their villages by the British

authorities. To make the journey from one

village to another was very dangerous.

The mural shows Jesus with Mary and Joseph in the hut at the top of the hill, surrounded by

the countryside so beloved by the Kikuyu people. In the right hand bottom corner of the

mural there are three women who are making the dangerous journey to take their gifts to

the Christ child. We understand that women were chosen because in traditional African

culture a man would not go to see a new baby.

There are many dangerous places in our world today, places where people are hungry,

isolated, imprisoned and even dying. We think of these places in this Epiphany season.

We give thanks that God is with his suffering people. We give thanks for the brave people

who put themselves in danger to be alongside those who are isolated and vulnerable. We

pray for relief and for hope and we pray that we may have a share in bringing peace with

justice.

Actions may include:

Our prayers for suffering people and places in our world.

Our support in whatever ways are possible.

See the Christians Aware leaflet ‘Beyond the Star’ for prayers and resources.

It is available from the office - at 2, Saxby Street, Leicester. LE2 OND.

It is also on the website: www.christiansaware.co.uk

<http://www.christiansaware.co.uk>