Senwes Scenario December 2018 / January 2019 | Page 4

GENERAL
COLUMN
Editor's letter
From the Word
Christmas and 110…
T
here’s an old saying that says “time flies”. I didn't believe
in this, but now I am starting to believe that the minute and
second hands on a clock conspire to form two wings and
to fly into space at a high speed. Can you believe it? We
are at the end of another year.
Over the coming period of time, agriculture and Senwes will be
celebrating two milestones. Christmas time is traditionally a time for
taking stock spiritually and to realise once again Who died for our
sins in order for us to be free and to be able to fly - to achieve our
goals to the glory of God.
Another celebration will be held over the next few months. Senwes
will be celebrating its 110th birthday on 15 May. Time really flies -
just the other day Senwesters celebrated Senwes' centenary with a
party in 2009 - ten years ago. It feels like yesterday.
An interesting fact - December, the twelfth month of the year on the
Gregorian calendar, got its Latin name decem since it means ten.
It was originally the tenth month of the year, before January and
February were added later on.
It is also interesting that December is called Mí na Nollaig on the
Irish calendar, which literally means 'the month of Christmas', since
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December.
Have a blessed Christmas and march forward to 110 years!
Aubrey Kruger
EDITOR
Christmas - innovation
and technology
Rev Willie Botha
I HAD THE privilege a few years ago of visiting a few houses
decorated for Christmas. The adornments did not only entail
a few shiny ribbons and a Santa Claus and a star. These peo-
ple took pride in their decorations and they tried to improve
on it every year. Nativity scenes, wise men, Christmas music,
angels, singing, dancing, talking Santa Clauses. Neatly
arranged to inspire a multitude of people visiting the scenes
before Christmas.
Innovation entails a new way of thinking, to be creative amidst
your reality. A concept which is of the essence for business
organisations. Innovation in the business world has to do with
the rediscovery and redefining of the concept. The Sigmoid-
curve is only one of the well-known illustrations of how a
business entity should display innovative thinking. But how
can Christmas be innovative? To answer this question, we will
have to look deeper into the Christian faith itself. One of the
most important aspects which we profess regarding the Holy
Spirit, is that the Spirit strengthens our faith. We also know
that the Holy Spirit works in a unique (innovative) way in each
individual. The objective of Jesus' mission was to come to
earth to ensure that everyone who believes in Him, will not be
lost, but will have everlasting life. With His ascension, He sent
the Holy Spirit to represent Him. It is striking how innovative
God is. He is innovative in Himself. He is the initiator of the
covenant: The covenant with Noah, Abraham and His initia-
tive at Mount Sinai. Jesus' mission is the ultimate example of
innovative thinking. No person other than God would have
thought of such a solution.
The story of the birth of Jesus does not say anything about
technology, unless we include an element of comfort. The
lack of comfort during the birth is striking. No comfortable
bed, hygiene or elegance upon the arrival of the King of this
world. In fact, the power of the story lies in the simplicity and
humbleness thereof.
Today's children of God are inspired by His innovative think-
ing and Christmas being the realisation thereof, is a huge
encouragement to think innovatively. It also inspires churches
to repackage the unchangeable essence into a more digest-
ible contemporary form. The beautifully decorated houses in
Montana made a lasting impression on me. Technology did
not detract from the holiness and solemn nature of the birth -
it rather addressed a contemporary imagination. This is how
the Holy Spirit still works today.
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SENWES SCENARIO | TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2018