And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
Just as it was for the shepherds 2000 years ago, Christians today also receive the good news of Jesus’s birth with a sense of awe. In the remaining days of this term, as our last lessons for the year are being taught; the last pieces of homework are being completed; the last wash of school uniforms are being undertaken; and the last lunches packed, it is good to reflect on the blessing of life at TIGS – a school in which this sense of awe lies at the heart of our vision for a school that is Academic, Christian and Caring.
The modern world, particularly at this time of year, can be frenetic and stressful. It is an ongoing task for parents and teachers to help our children to live with the pressures and ever-present distractions of the modern world. And so, as we look ahead to the Summer break and the joys of the Christmas season, I am reminded of the lyric from ‘Oh Holy Night’:
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”
My prayer for TIGS community as we end this term, no doubt somewhat wearied by the year we have experienced, is that we would embrace and rejoice in the ‘thrill of hope’ that comes from the knowledge that Jesus came to Earth to bring a new and glorious morn.
May this Christmas bring for you and your family an opportunity for reflection on the greatest gift of all – that of God becoming man – as well as a time for rest and refreshment.
Presentation Day – Wednesday 10 December
As detailed in my communication to parents earlier this week, this year’s Presentation Day will be live-streamed to families. It will contain a mixture of
pre-recorded and live components. An invitation was attached to this communication and access to the livestream is available by clicking the link within. Please note that the event will take place during the afternoon (commencing at 1:30pm). This will mean that the event, as well as students’ final day at school, will conclude at the usual time of 3:10pm.
