Bill Rusin, Interim Principal
Did you receive your Nurture magazine last week?
Nurture magazine is published four times each year by Christian Education National (CEN), the wider association of Christian schools in Australia, of which Kuyper is a part. This excellent publication is a magazine for parents and seeks to nurture the vision of Christian education in families, schools, and communities. The Kuyper Association subscribes on behalf of all families in our school. The December issue was sent home with your children last week.
This Sunday, I’d like to share a beautiful little article from this latest edition, written by Michelle Dempsey, Principal of Mt Evelyn Christian School in Melbourne, and former CEO of Christian Education National, titled “Leaning into the Light”. She writes,
“I just love Christmas. In the lead up to the celebration of the birth of our Saviour. I get super excited about decorations and traditions, and I get particularly excited about lights! I love the warm glow of fairy lights, candles, the twinkling Christmas tree, the whole lot…
Light is an interesting thing. It brings warmth, comfort and safety. In some contexts, though, it can also make us feel uncomfortable. Shining light can make us squint; it can hurt our eyes. Turning on the light to a disaster can be scary. Metaphorically speaking, when light “shines” on our brokenness, we can feel exposed…
There are so many references in God’s Word to Him being light. In 1 Peter 2:9, it states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”. Ultimately, it is only God who can truly pull us out of darkness into light. And what a comfort that is.
When I was a little girl, I would visit my aunt’s house regularly. She moved house a few times, but always on the back of her toilet door was a picture of darkness and light with this verse from John 1,” The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it”. As a child just starting to read, I didn’t really understand this verse. As I grew, I would read that verse over and over until it settled in my heart. The light of Jesus shines in any darkness, and that darkness will never be able to overcome the light of Christ. There is no better truth, no more perfect promise.
As we come to the end of this year, I know there are many in our school communities who are exhausted. Many are broken, many are struggling with life and living, and many are overwhelmed with the challenges of our time and culture. Let me assure you there is hope, there is light, and my prayer is that you lean towards the light this Christmas.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you”
Isaiah 60:1.”
May each of you enjoy this Christmas season — the festivity, the joy, and the lights.