Yesterday I was listening to Christmas music and the song “So This Is Christmas” by John Lennon came on. As I listened to the beautiful yet simple lyrics, I reflected on how much I love the spirit of this blessed season. I love seeing the happiness on our students’ faces as they work on class projects about the Christmas story and prepare gifts for family members, members of our school family in need, and community helpers. I enjoy watching our students as they act, sing, dance, and play instruments to praise and worship God at our Christmas concerts and December chapels. I love the laughter and giggles, the festive hallways, and the decorated doors. I can’t help but smile as I reflect on God’s goodness to us all in sending His Son to this earth for us.
The story of Mary and Joseph, their journey to Bethlehem, the star, the stable, the choir of angels in the sky, and the arrival of the shepherds who followed the star to worship the King who was born — this story of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, the promised Emmanuel, is one that we joyously proclaim and teach to our students. Everything in the whole world changed in that instant. It is this simple story that brings us the Hope of the world — Jesus Christ our Savior is born, our Lord has come. I pray each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.