Christmas is coming. The 1st of November seemed like the magic date that heralded the playing of Christmas Carols and the arrival of Christmas decorations at Chermside shopping centre! It starts the annual debate in our house about when to put the tree up. For the record, it is going up in three weeks’ time.
It definitely feels like there the school year is finishing quickly for the students with only 4 weeks until Christmas Mega Chapel. Whilst that is not long in some respects, it is also a significant amount of time for learning and there is plenty to do before we can break out the bon-bons. The Year 12s are into their third week of external exams and the rest of the school is starting to get onto completing their final tasks of the year. We are committed to making the most of the learning time remaining in 2024. That said, it will soon be time for the fun part of the year as we finish with some important events for students and enjoy the class break ups.
Whether you love the Christmas season or can’t wait for Boxing Day you must agree that the attraction of Christmas is the sense joy! If your current circumstances are difficult the thought of some Christmas cheer is very appealing. The good news is that God promises us that joy is not seasonal but available to us all the time. In John 16: 24 Jesus promises us that we should “Ask and you will receive (in Jesus’ name), and your joy will be complete”. If we humble ourselves and seek God, he promises us joy, irrespective of circumstances. In fact, a surprising but definite fruit of humility is joy. Who do you know who exhibits this kind of humility and joy on a day-to-day basis?
I know there are students who are finding the end of the year difficult, they are tired and just want it all to be over. There must be parents like that as well. Christmas brings some temporary joy into our lives, but my prayer is that we will all be able to grab hold of the joy that God has for us today.
Todd Langford
