"SEA" the Spirit of Christmas!

Among all of the “firsts” I have experienced so far in my initial year as Chaplain, I have been particularly impressed by the way our school celebrates the time leading up to Christmas. The musical performances presented by Mrs. Campese’s students have been fun and high in quality, bringing out talent in the students and including messages of love and sharing. The Las Posadas and Lessons and Carols services remind us of the importance of the season in the context of the Christian faith. And of course, there is a general atmosphere of excitement as the day draws nearer.

In several of my Religion classes, we’ve talked about what the students are looking forward to – and the answers have been inspiring and heart-warming. Sure, there are plenty of hopes and expectations tied to what Santa may bring. But so many of the children have talked about spending time with family – decorating, baking and cooking, sharing holiday meals, attending worship services together, traveling to see extended family or on family trips. Many have talked about reaching out to see that poor and homeless persons, both here and all over the world, will receive gifts to remind them that there are people who care about them – and that God does too. This joyful and giving spirit is present throughout our SEA community, showing that home and school are united in making it clear to our children that the spirit of loving, sharing, and giving lie at the center of what we are celebrating during this holiday season, no matter what form that celebration may take.

I pray rich blessings upon all of you. May you know the joy shared by angels and shepherds, the traveling mercies given to the Magi, and the love shared by the Holy Family in the story of the first Christmas. And may 2016 be a year in which others “SEA” the fruits of the Kind Zone both on campus and beyond our gates.

It has been so wonderful to experience the time leading up to Christmas here at SEA