Dear Parents,
Joy unspeakable Joy… this is what God offers us through the birth of His son Jesus. This is what we celebrate in this advent season. While a dictionary definition of joy is great pleasure, happiness or rejoicing, these all fall short of a Biblical definition, which focuses on an unchangeable state that is more deeply rooted and not directly connected to our circumstances.
Whether we look back to ancient times or look at our current culture, there is a longing for a true sense of joy that is often masked by fleeting happiness leading to a hollow feeling once it is gone. This is where feelings of disappointment, discouragement, or even despair begin to creep in. We can look at the immensity of the challenges that we have faced throughout this year and slip into those feelings.
Or…we can take a step back and look at God’s faithfulness through the storms and challenges. We can see His hand of protection and guidance. We can thank Him for what He has done and how He gave up all of His comfort to enter this dark world as a baby. We can anticipate His return and all that it entails. When we do so, a shift happens and then joy begins to emerge. Not because our circumstances changed or because things are easier, but rather because God lifts us up and fills us with his joy.
In Luke chapter 2 we read that, “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
This is the message of joy that we need for our lives and, as we heard during our Christmas production of, “One Starry Night,” this is the good news that what we need to tell others about during this season. May God fill you anew with His joy, as we wish you and your family the Merriest Christmas and most blessed New Year!
Sincerely,J-D Lussier, Principal
