A Fresh View of an Old Story: Christmas in Our Christian School

 I found them in a stable 

Kings and shepherds gathered round 

It seemed there was no room 

For the likes of me there to be found 

I could not understand it 

But I had to see the child 

When the mother bade me to come near 

I swear I saw him smile 

Then I heard what sounded like 

A thousand chains breaking apart 

And a door now swinging open 

Letting light enter my heart (The Innkeeper L.Gallant) 

It’s not hard for Christmas rhythms and rituals to become detached from their significance and meaning. Routine and repetition of the well-known Bethlehem narrative can dull the event down to a cozy, warm story that is more of a hot chocolate memory than the transformational-for-all- time event heralded by a sky full of God’s finest. 

I`ve always appreciated songwriters who challenge us to rise above Christmas kitsch. Lennie Gallant (above, have a listen with the link) has the innkeeper recount how the story changed him, moving us away from ritual and unrealistic ideas of Christ`s birth toward deeper reflection of what Immanuel – God with us was like for the inhabitants of the chaotic city of Bethlehem, with all of the rough edges included. The innkeeper’s realization above that Christ’s birth was for him too helps us to see God knew of our need of a Saviour that night in Bethlehem so long ago. 

What joy that in our Christian school we can do so much more than decorate with tinsel, or a wish each other “Happy Holidays!” Our students are led to reflect on God’s great love that pierced the darkness of our sin and make us whole again. Now that’s a story that never grows old! 

SJ

Looking For The Moon At Our Christian School

I have memories of one my children noticing the moon, sometimes while camping or on a walk, but also during broad daylight. A simple cry of delight of “moon!” would be heard when I was transitioning them from the stroller to the car seat, trying to get them to brush their teeth when a window was nearby, or hastily going about some other all-consuming task. Until I acknowledged the moon, the word would be repeated over and over. If I had given pause to look, I also would have easily noticed it and stopped to appreciate its grandeur. 

The white reflection of the sun’s rays bouncing off the moon for us to see, day or night, is a thing of beauty. It takes just over a second for the light bouncing off the moon to reach us here on earth. By contrast, it takes 5.5 hours for light to come from the sun. Light travels fast, but if our heads are not raised up to look, we will not notice.

Has COVID caused us to walk though life with our heads down a little more, limiting our ability to notice? Are we more prone to complain or lament, than to cry out with joy? I’ve had the blessings of hearing in our classrooms that students are invited every day to linger at the gift of a child born for us, who is the light of the world. May we join with the awe of the Bethlehem shepherds who first heard confirmation via a nighttime display they could not miss.

SJ

Praying While We Work at Our Christian School

Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24-25 

I had opportunity last month to talk with someone from western Canada about our school. A parent considering a job offer in London had found our on-line presence and made contact. After spending some time explaining what an Ontario Christian school looks like, how it is organized, and why parents send their students to LCES, the parent was clearly amazed. “Wow, you have some very committed people in your community! “ I heartily agreed. God has blessed us richly. 

Seeing Christ as the head of our school is integral to how we think and operate each day as we respond to how each day unfolds, how we plan toward the future, and how we learn to walk the line between the Benedictine monk’s mantra of “ora et labora” or “pray and work.” We are to pray daily for the provision and guidance to operate our school, and also work responsibly with the gifts, talents and opportunities the Lord has given each of us at LCES. One side of that expression represents God’s unstoppable grace, the other reminds us that we have a part in working in God’s kingdom. 

Join us in praying for our school. A legacy supporter reminded me years ago of the text of Psalm 50 which makes reference to our God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” His encouragement was this: commit your plans to the Lord, remain unceasing in prayer, and remember afterward to praise him for his faithfulness.” Amen! May it be so.

SJ