I love the Christmas Season! The sense of anticipation as we decorate our houses, shop for loved ones, gift-wrap their presents, write meaningful cards, plan food, sing carols and look forward to some family time.

Here at St Peter's, we have been ushering in the Christmas spirit – departments have decorated their spaces, Year 9 students have donated beautiful gifts to ‘Kids in Need’ through our Social Studies Department, Year 7 & 8 students have topped up Salvation Army food parcels with treats galore and our students in food tech have made 50 Christmas meals to accompany the food hampers. Learning Groups have filled Christmas boxes for children in the Pacific and the Parents Association hosted a carol singing Service in the Chapel last weekend. Our boarders had their final Christmas Chapel on Sunday night, and we anticipate a staff Christmas service to wrap up our year. There is certainly a sense of hope that something wonderful is just around the corner.

For some however, this season is fraught with chaos, tension and stress. This was never the intention. The Scripture reminds us, that God, in the form of a baby, drew near to us, made himself known, and demonstrated a way to live beyond the chaos.

Clothed in humanity the King of Heaven drew aside to pray when the crowds pressed in. He created space on a hillside to rest and restore. His presence brought peace during a storm and his authority meant healing for those who sought it.

King David wrote these words:

Psalm 23 v 2-3

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He refreshes my soul.

Amid this busy season, may the Lord, whose birth we celebrate, enable you to find green pastures, quiet waters and refreshment for your soul.

Blessings
Vanessa MacCarthy
Assistant Chaplain