This morning, we held a very special extended chapel service. Staff and students have been dressing according to a daily Christmas theme and today was “Christmas pyjamas or Christmas comfy clothes” day. Our gymnasium was filled with many dressed in plaid, red and green and all sorts of pyjamas, hoodies, and sweatpants.
After O Canada, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Land Acknowledgement, the Worship Team introduced the first worship song “King of Kings” with the passage from Revelation 19:16. Next, the passage from Luke 2:8-9, 16 was shared, in which the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds. In response, the students sang ” The First Noel”.
Out Grade 2B class then assembled at the front to recite their Bible Memory verse. Three representatives shared what they had been learning in Bible, and three other students acted in a short skit about praying to God for peace before the dreaded science test. After flawlessly reciting the passage from Philippians 4:6-7, the class sang “Peace like a River” with lots of smiles and actions.
To conclude our “Armour Up with Peace” sub-theme, there was a “Teacher Interview” segment with Mrs. Iun. She shared about a time when she had to “wear the shoes of peace”. It involved making peace with her cousin whom she unintentionally offended. Not only did she apologize, she had to take action to make things right. It was very uncomfortable for her but it did mend the relationship and allow it to strengthen. Next, she shared some advice on how to wear the shoes of peace in every day life. She emphasized that it starts with your attitude and summed it up with two points:
- Be Gracious – try to see the best in people. Be slow to speak and listen first. Ask questions to understand the situation.
- Be Proactive – look for ways to find peace when challenges arise and be helpful to others (e.g. listen to them, offer your time to help, etc.)
Her final words of advice were to look to Jesus – the “Prince of Peace”. She encouraged students to reflect on how Jesus acted when He was on earth. Jesus brought peace to the world by mending the broken relationship with God for us. She then challenged them to bring love, joy, kindness and peace to others – just like Jesus did.
To continue with the Christmas story, the passage from Matthew 2: 1-10 was read, announcing the journey of the Magi to see the baby Jesus. In response, the students sang ” We Three Kings”.
Next, Mrs. V read one of her favourite childhood stories that she still reads every Christmas Eve, called The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Carol Greene. This is a story of about the innkeeper’s daughter, who is an unkind child, but when she meets Baby Jesus, she is transformed by Mary’s words about how this special baby is here to show God’s love and save sinners, including her.
The Worship Team then led the audience in singing two songs – “Pharaoh, Pharaoh” and ” Who You Say I Am”.
Afterwards, Miss Phillips read a second story. It was called The Stone – A Persian Legend of the Magi by Diane Hofmeyer. The story is based on a recount from Marco Polo, who shared it with a scribe in 1296, while they were both imprisoned in Genoa. It shared the story of the three Magi who found Jesus and honoured Him with three gifts. Jesus, in return, gave them a gift. When they opened it some time later, they discovered it was a stone – but not an ordinary stone. It was one that gave tremendous fire and light, which they believed brought justice, peace and healing into the world. The Magi shared this with others, who one by one, took some of that light and brought it to other parts of the world for all to share. Miss Phillips then quoted a passage from Isaiah which echoed the call to share the light with those who have walked in darkness.
As part of the extended chapel time, several teachers then led the singing of classic Christmas carols such as Hark the Herald, Silent Night, Away in the Manger, and Silent Night. It was a time of joyous singing.
To conclude the service, the Worship Team led the singing of “King of Kings” again, read the benediction and wished everyone a Merry Christmas before the students were dismissed to get ready for morning recess.