December 21 Home Communicator –
We have had the most exciting days in 3 School these past few days—Jesus’ BIRTHDAY Party! The excitement and joy have been contagious. Students brought a special friend to join them for the party and enjoyed a special brunch together. Instead of bringing presents for Jesus’ birthday, the students collected items for the Refugee Education Center. They brought new boots, coats, hats, mittens, and gloves in order to support the youngest refugees in our area and bless others who are the same age as them.
After getting a chance to do some fun activities around the room, the students gathered for a time of singing. They were dancing with joy and excitement as they rang their bells and sang their songs to Jesus.
The whole party was special, but the last part of it brought the biggest smile to my face. They ended their party by singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. We sing that song to so many people we love in a given year but singing it to Jesus that morning was really special. As I looked around the room, I saw the students bursting with excitement and joy. It struck me that I too want a childhood excitement for Jesus’ Birthday. The Savior of the world came to us in the most innocent way—a gift of love and grace in the form of a baby. Do we take time to stop and express our joy and gratefulness for God’s ultimate gift??
It is so easy for us to be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. It is easy for us to get lost in the presents, parties, and preparations. My prayer for each of us this Christmas season is that we will celebrate with awe and wonder the best gift ever given! May we be like these children whose joy and excitement for Jesus’ Birthday bursts out of them. May our eyes be fixed on HIM!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Julie Moes – Early Childhood Director