Many years ago, it was common for a strong kingdom to overthrow a weaker one and sometimes, if the monarchs resisted, the stronger Kings would kill them. This was the situation of the people of Segamu. Their King was ruthlessly murdered, and they were taken captive by the king of Jegude.
Three generations had passed and the people of Segamu had accepted their fate. Consequently, they were under the leadership of a new king who was known for his brutality. He increased their labor and gave them food enough to keep their bodies and souls together.
However, the king had a soft spot for his two children, especially his son Segi. Segi was a curious, talented, and intelligent young boy who possessed a lovely voice, hence he was being trained in the art of war; knowledge of foreign lands, and the rhythm of music. Wura on the other hand, was a taciturn and wise girl.
Gradually, Segi's curiosity grew much more. He began to sense there was more to his life than he knew. He asked his father one day, his thoughts about his purpose. The question impressed his father, which he answered, “Well son, as far as the kingdom is concerned, your purpose is to reign after me as an intelligent and strong king that must command the respect of the people.” Since Segi wasn't satisfied with the reply of his father, he decided to ask his music master. His reply to him was, “Child, I'm only a musician, and I've had so many experiences in life, yet this I can't tell you. As mysterious as the sound of musical notes, so is one's purpose. It comes by revelations. Search for it and when you find it, run with it.” These words stuck to him and soon he got to understand them.
While Segi was taking a stroll around the courtyard, his attention was drawn to a young scrawny looking boy who was carrying heavy pieces of wood to the construction site nearby. Immediately his heart went out to him. He inquired of the guards the background of the boy and was told that he was from the captured colony. At home, he began to read about the history that happened ninety years ago, of how the people of Segamu were captured. He became troubled by his findings, but he knew that discussing this issue with his father would be a futile attempt, so, he thought of a plan.
In the colony, the people noticed that another new boy had joined them. When they asked him how he got there, he narrated that his father owed the king and was unable to pay his debt, as a result, he was taken as a collateral. They usually heard stories of this sort, yet his story sparked empathy from them.
The next day, the young boy's task began. Since he wasn't used to these hard tasks, he was whipped to the point of bleeding by his task master for lagging behind. Though the pain sent sharp signals to his brain, yet his heart broke at the thought that these people had been enduring such gruesome treatments for so long.
At night, everyone was sore after the day's work. While they all relaxed, the boy sighted an old musical instrument. He asked to borrow it and was given. The people hadn't heard and played music for so long, hence when he played, the music made some to cry profusely, while the souls of others were uplifted. For the first time in a long while, the people slept peacefully.
News eventually got to the colony that the heir had been missing for three days, that was when it dawned on Segi to return from the colony (for he was the boy who disguised himself to the colony).
The royal family and others that heard about the Prince's arrival were shocked as he recounted his tale. Also, the king's heart broke at the sight of his son, More so, from the marks which were still visible from the whip. The action of the prince revealed to his father how complacent he had been towards the sufferings of the people of Segamu. This also proved that his son was a true king at heart. Segi's humility, and compassion not only won him the respect of all the people including his father, but also the freedom of the people of Segamu.
Christmas is a time of love and giving and “The King in a Manger” reveals the humility and sustainability of God, who chose the manger as the birthplace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This tells us that regardless of our status, we ought to show concern for anyone because our neighbor is anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by our actions or inactions.
