As we usually do when we come to this time of year, we have taken the time in our Chapel services over the last two weeks to remind students of the true meaning of Christmas. We recognise this as the time that our amazing Saviour was born and we see this so beautifully declared in the bible in Isaiah 9:6-1,

“For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!”

I personally love the words used here to describe who Jesus is. There are countless times for me personally where I have needed each of these attributes in my life….I have needed a Prince of Peace, an Everlasting Father, a wonderful Counsellor and a Mighty God. I am sure we can all relate to this.

It blows my mind that God knew and continues to know what we need, especially in our greatest time of need. This is the Promise and Gift of Christmas and God is always extravagantly generous in his giving to His children.

This is who He is. Christmas time is an amazing reminder of this generosity and how we can also bless others, just as God has given to us. When we are generous to others, we are truly showing people the love of God, but in turn we also benefit as the Bible says in Acts 20:35,

“I’ve left you an example of how you should serve and take care of those who are weak. For we must always cherish the words of our Lord Jesus, who taught, ‘Giving brings a far greater blessing than receiving’.”

As a school we highly value generosity. This was evident last week when we were able to give a tractor to the New Life Trust Orphanage in Myanmar. This amazing gift was purchased from funds  raised over the past few years by staff and students at Genesis Christian College. This tractor will replace a very primitive version that meant there was only a certain amount of planting and harvesting that could be undertaken. However, this new tractor will be used to plant and harvest a great deal more and continue to feed the many staff and children at the Orphanage and surrounding areas. The amazing thing about this kind of generosity is that it never ends and keeps on blessing the givers and recipients.

This Christmas, how can you and your family reflect God’s nature through generous acts of kindness? Are there people in need in your life that will be blessed by your loving and generous words, time, practical gifts or a place to belong? As we give this Christmas, let’s remember the amazing difference God’s ultimate act of generosity in giving us His son has made in our lives and how we can show this love to others.

On behalf of the Pastoral Care team at Genesis Christian College, we want to wish you and your family a happy, blessed and safe Christmas. We look forward to seeing you again in the New Year in 2020.

Louise Klar

Head of Pastoral Care & Growth / College Counsellor