It stirs my soul to peek in and watch children participating in the ritual of advent. We do the same with our children at home. At home we've been using a devotional writing by the pastoral staff at our church. I'd like to share an excerpt from this devotional for Monday, Christmas Eve.
"On this Christmas Eve, the day that marks the end of the Advent season, we light the Christ candle, the candle that all the other Advent candles have foreshadowed and pointed to. The Christ candle signifies that the fullness of God's light has come into our world. It reminds us that God has not forgotten his promises to us. Even though we wait in the "darkness," even though the darkness may feel overwhelming at time, God's light shines in the darkness. "The darkness has not overcome it". The darkness will not overcome God's light. The Christ candle offers a reminder of this hope. We light the Christ candle on Christmas Eve when the amount of daylight we receive is at its lowest point in the year. In the midst of darkness that almost seems to overwhelm, God's light still shines.
As you extinguish the Christ candle and go to bed (please extinguish all candles before going to bed), take time to remember that just as your house will suddenly be at its darkest, God's light will continue to shine. Thank God that you will wake to house full of light in the morning. Thank God that even when the world seemed to be at its darkest, when Jesus' life was extinguished, there was still hope. God's light would shine once again in Jesus' resurrection, and God's light will shine again when Jesus returns. Even if the world feels at its darkest for you right now, God's light will shine. You can rest in God just as you rest in your bed at night. You can do so with the assurance that Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Where's Miska?
I hope after the new year the admin side of life at HC will slow and settle a bit. You have all been so gracious about my coming and going so much. I look forward to being able to be much more present in classrooms and learning space. Each of you contribute to South Side/Forest School life in amazing, impactful ways. On a corner of the white board in the staff center I have put a little "Where's Miska" note. Each day I will write when and where I'm going if I'm leaving the building. My hope is not that I think you're interested in what I'm doing and where! 😅 Rather, if you are looking to catch me in person, this will help you know how and where to get in touch with me.
Winter MAP Testing window from January 14-25
Makers Week
Our week for Makers Week will be the week of February 4. If you haven't already, please spin your wheels a bit in what STEM experience you would be willing to offer to our students. We will hold make sessions M-Th. Friday will be our culminating celebration from 11:00-11:30. Let me know if you want a little help kicking around ideas.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas! See you in 2019!
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