“With glowing eyes and a bright smile, a woman approached me after the Children's Christmas Service to say, ‘That was beautiful. The children did a wonderful job of re-telling the Christmas story. This brought back memories of Christmas Services when I was a girl."
This is a quote shared by one of our principals when asked about reactions to another busy December. Re-telling the Christmas story, Jesus coming to the world as the Babe of Bethlehem, is basic to the purpose of Lutheran schools.
While the truth of Christmas has many trying to figure out ways to end its sharing, we in Lutheran schools spend much of our energy joyfully witnessing the peace of knowing Jesus and taking time to boldly share this treasure.
As always, December has our schools sharing the Christmas narrative in song and worship. Be it in timeless liturgy such as the Children's Service at St Paul’s and its Ungemach Liturgy on Christmas Eve, leading Wednesday Advent services in many of our churches, or enthusiastically singing our Glorias like Concordia Lutheran High School’s annual Embassy Concert, our students join the angels in letting everyone know the Savior is Born.
This enthusiasm and joy finds its way in acts of mercy, too. This year, as is the case annually, the students' joy for Christmas was shared through LSSI Adopt a Family, Operation Christmas Child, Allen County Christmas Bureau, Charis House, A Hope Center, Kate’s Kart, and Lutheran Hospital Charities. What a list! And the generosity is wonderfully overwhelming!
It’s wonderful to witness the joyful experiences of those in nursing homes and retirement villages when kids come to visit sharing cards, letters, and gifts and also leading Christmas carols. Heartwarming! It’s a treasured time for the elderly but an important time for the students as they give, rather than receive.
As enrollment season is underway, consider December as one of many reasons for enrolling/re-enrolling at a Lutheran school. And be sure to share your enthusiasm for your Lutheran school with others.
