Kamehameha Schools has created a set of Hawaiian-focused devotionals for the four weeks of Advent and Christmas Eve. Each devotional includes a scripture reading, message, prayer and hymn. Below is this week’s devotional message by KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong.
Years ago, respected kūpuna Edith Kanakaʻole, was captured on film recounting the traditional moʻolelo of Hāloa, the son of Hoʻohōkūkalani and Wākea, to her moʻopuna (grandchildren). She explained the origin of the word ʻohana and its “roots” in the word ʻōhā, the offshoots of the kalo (corm). While recounting this moʻolelo, Aunty Edith also impressed upon her moʻopuna the importance of knowing one’s genealogy and wahi pana (storied places) connected to their family.
We might recall that ʻōiwi Hawaiʻi (Native Hawaiian) people originate from Hāloa – their progenitor or ancestor. In this moʻolelo of Hāloa, the first Hawaiian man, Hāloa’s elder brother, Hāloanakalaukapalili was still born (alualu). Where he was buried, a new plant originated and became the kalo which fed and provided sustenance for his younger brother.
Thus, it is believed that Hawaiian people have a direct pilina (relationship) to the kalo as its ʻōhā – offshoots. This captures the essence of the Hawaiian people where pilina, or relationships, are the core (or perhaps “corm”) of who they are. We love to be with ‘ohana. When a family member is down, we are there to pick them up. When a loved one needs to be set straight, ‘ohana is there to do so and provide the support to keep that person headed in the right direction.
In the Hawaiian home, Ke Akua is a very key part of that ‘ohana. I’ve spoken to a number of kūpuna who told stories of how they would have ‘ohana time to end their day. As a family, they would gather to sing hīmeni, share a verse or two, and tell a story of how Ke Akua was a part of their day. I have not heard of any family who still keep to that practice on a regular basis like before. What happened for that pilina to have dwindled?
When the prophet Isaiah foretold, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” it was to a people who were living in fear of being overrun by two very powerful kingdoms. Was God going to be there for them? This prophecy was one of hope, that they would be spared and God would be in their midst.
When it came to fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, people had a chance to see God was with them in human form. But the thing is, God never left the people. God was always there. It was the closeness of the relationship that was lost. I heard a saying once, “When you feel far from God, turn around and you’ll see that he’s been with you all along.” We’re the ones who have turned our backs to God. God said that he would never leave us nor forsake us.
This Christmas, take the time to see Immanuel – God IS with us, and renew your pilina with Ke Akua through Iesū Kristo his son. Let him into your life full-time, walking alongside of him day by day, reflecting on his presence in your life and sharing those times with your ‘ohana. Encourage them to take that step of faith so our earthly ‘ohana will be our heavenly ‘ohana as well, for remember, ʻohana is the core (corm) of who we are – our sense of identity, sense of place – and the assurance that Ke Akua, like our ancestors, is always with us and within us.
Listen to Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble sing this week's hymn, "Haleluia."
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