Dear Parents,

Around this time of year with December in full swing and the arrival of Advent, I have noticed that time seems to simultaneously speed up and slow down, if we allow it. Let me take a few moments to explain what I mean. 

Undoubtedly, there is a sense of hustle and bustle between the Christmas concerts, Christmas parties, family gatherings, and church events. This can make this time of year feel fast-paced, chaotic, or even overwhelming. Time accelerates to the point where we feel worn out and tired, leading us to miss out on the important moments. They can even rob us of the very things that we desire to focus on like hope, joy, peace, and love. 

In contrast, this season should also compel us to slow down. The first focus of advent is the theme of hope, which I believe is what we need to ground ourselves in order to experience all other themes. Hope is also known as the Prophet’s candle. Part of the role of the prophet was to remind the people of God’s faithfulness in the past and then point them to hope in the future. In my Advent devotional from Life Church, Hope is defined as “the wholehearted, evidence-based conviction that God is making the future better than the present or past.” There is also an element of restoration that is coming in that hope.

In order for us to experience hope, it is necessary to pause and reflect on the past and present. Whether we look back on the past 11 months of the year or go back even further to points along our individual faith journey or the grand narrative of God’s story, we can unearth those moments where God has sustained us, watched over us, and blessed us. It is through these moments that we can begin to experience hope for the future and have confidence that joy, peace, and love will be awaiting us in the days ahead.

Our prayer is that this Advent season you will experience a sense of renewed hope and restoration as you take a few moments to pause in the weeks ahead.

Blessings,

J-D Lussier, Principal