As I write this final article for 2018, we, the community, are preparing for what has evolved as Christmas Day traditions.
For weeks, we are bombarded by the usual suspects proclaiming, ‘the perfect Christmas gift idea’. Even online, we can’t escape it. In fact, recently I came across a website advertising a suite of somewhat unusual Christmas gifts:
- A shower head with a temperature-controlled light that changes colour, turning the water from blue to red as it heats up.
- A clock resembling a piece of toast.
- An Elvis-themed, church-shaped salt-and-pepper set;
- A working MP3 player made from Lego.
- A set of fake lottery tickets.
With so many options, it’s no wonder people become overwhelmed with the gift-giving process. However, it is not just the purchasing of presents that can cause us stress. The preparation of meals, family gatherings and travelling can all leave people feeling frazzled.
Ironically, what should be a time for reflection and inner renewal can often be a time of exhaustion.
Undoubtedly, Christmas brings a whole variety of emotions, traditions and challenges, depending on our situation. For each of us, however, Christmas provides a wonderful possibility.
There is the possibility of reflecting once again – or maybe for the first time – on the remarkable events concerning the life of Jesus. His lowly birth, kind and humble caring, unique character, extraordinary power and startling insight concerning God and humanity.
It is these acts that call for a closer examination of His compelling life.
I trust that for all within our College community, this Christmas will be a time of joy, peace and a fresh consideration of the great truth: that the God who made us and loves us came to dwell among us, so that we might know Him, and ultimately live in His presence.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
I look forward to seeing all those returning in 2019 ready for a new learning experience together.
Adrian Scott
Principal