A Letter From God At Christmas At Our Christian School

 A few years ago one of the focal points in kindergarten at this time of the year was mail and the activities of a post office. Imaginative “letter and parcel mail” had been moving around the building, including several staff members who had special mailboxes which were regularly filled with proud notes and letters sharing their developing printing and writing skills. 

On one occasion Ms. Stortz had given me the happy responsibility of delivering some pieces of group “mail” to arrive during lessons. I played the role of delivery person with a baking recipe for this morning’s class in a large envelope. One of the students saw me with the large letter in hand and said, “Maybe it’s a letter from God!” 

A letter from God. What a wonderful way to think about the focus of this unique week of school! Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Immanuel – God with us! How precious is that Word enabling us to receive God’s gift of grace. That Bethlehem baby became a living letter to us of God’s unfathomable love and paved the way for us to a new covenant of grace. 

As we celebrate, may we have the quickened steps of the shepherds who, bursting with joy cried "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." (Luke 2:15) The LCES board, staff, and students wishes you all a faith-filled, safe, and memorable break. 

Merry Christmas!

SJ

Passionate for Peace At Our Christian School

 

Hearing a primary student sing “Sleep in heavenly peace” might be best sermon you hear this advent season.

U Thant, then United Nations secretary general from Burma, addressed 1600 delegates from 42 nations in the late 1960’s with a question. “Why is it for that, for all our professed ideals, our hopes and skills, peace on earth is still a distant objective seen only dimly through the storms and turmoil of our present difficulties?``  Translation:  Why haven’t we figured this out already?

The rage of the nations (Psalm 2) can feel like a forest fire of hatred that leaves behind the scarred remains of hope the world over. COVID has been ruthless it seems. Families are torn apart, people are displaced, and suffering and disillusionment pulls our hearts through the images of war we see.

Where do we go with our craving for peace?  God’s word. David’s mention of raging nations isn’t the final word. That is found in the book of Revelation where John proclaims “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ.” (Revelation 11) The nations rage, but without any absolute effect. The battle has already been won.  Our task in Christian education is to so capture our student’s hearts with the peace of Christ that they are compelled to words and action to secure peace for all.

May peace abound in the hearts of our students and transform them as they pronounce Christ’s kingdom that will come, and has already come.  SJ

Anticipation For the Right Christmas At Our Christian School

The first moments of advent are exciting at a Christian school – but is that because it is familiar and comfortable like a warm cozy blanket, or is it a rush of hope in a bruised, sometimes dark world? Are we excited about Martha Stewart moments, or is it anticipation of Jesus Christ’s second coming that draws us to Christmas?

Consider the following:

“….faces and hands pressed against the frosty window, our kids keep watch for that first glimpse of red brake lights lighting up, while Grandma’s Honda slows, making the turn into our driveway. Any moment they will abandon their post in a flurry of singular delight: “Grandma is here! Grandma is here!” The ensuing mad scamper of children dashing through living room and dining room, then kitchen and back hall will leave couch cushions crumpled, once neatly folded blankets askew, and our pets in a confused scurry, unsure of whether they should hide under the table, join the joyful delight, or courageously defend our door. 

 

In a way, our kids’ anticipation, rooted in the memory of Grandma’s previous visits, fills the Advent season as we both remember Jesus Christ’s birth and anticipate his second coming. These rhythms of remembering and anticipating provide the primary cadence for this season. Advent is neither a nostalgic longing for a past that has been lost nor a naïve fixation on a utopia that remains always out of reach. Rather, by looking back at what God has already done and looking ahead at what God has promised yet to do, Advent roots us deeper in the assurance that God is with us – even here, even now.”                                                                                                                    (http://muddiedprayers.com)

Our participation in all things Christmas at LCES is so much more than snow, lights, carols, and chocolate. We celebrate the gift of a first-born son, given to redeem this world that our students study.  We praise God for the gift of a Saviour whose grace allows them find their place on earth to use their gifts and talents. We delight in promise that he will come again and that he makes all things new. (Revelation 21:5) Hallelujah!

Now is something new worth celebrating!  (SJ)