What better place to be during the Christmas season than at a school? There is a festive spirit in the air at St. Michael’s, and the excitement grows with each day. Santa hats and reindeer antlers are appearing, and cookies and special treats are filling the classrooms and counters. Christmas music is in the air. Adults and children alike can be heard humming a little tune as they walk along. Moreover, in each child’s eyes there is a sparkle, a little twinkle, and a sense of wonder and awe as Christmas Day approaches. It really is rather magical, and one would have to try very hard not to be in the Christmas spirit. Grinches are not allowed here!
Yes, it is good to be around children at this time of the year. When I think that the world is a bit too glum, and when I feel the season is more about the material than the spiritual, I only have to look at these children. From our youngest little Kindergarten darlings to the rapidly growing middle kingdom ladies and gents, their excitement and anticipation are contagious. They remind us to laugh, to love, and to live large. They display hope in all of its glory and a belief that all is right with the world. Children bring a special light into our lives, and it is hard to be grumpy and gloomy when their smiling faces reflect only joy. What we see around children is the true meaning of Christmas.
Hope, joy, peace, love, wonder, expectation, anticipation, and light. These words describe the Christmas season, but they also describe the atmosphere of our school. This is a place where dreams come true. This is a place where we cultivate growth in mind, body, and spirit. This is a place where we all not only teach, but we all learn, adults as well as children. God, in God’s wisdom, knew the wisdom that comes from a child. “For unto us, a child is born, unto us, a Son is given…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:5) Indeed, the children do lead us, which is a wonderful reminder at Christmas. From all of us at St. Michael’s School, we wish you a Merry Christmas season and a New Year filled with blessings, wonder, and awe.
Margaret Moore
Head of School
