Where We Find Joy

Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain.
Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain.

By Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain.

Growing up with three younger sisters, Saturday nights in my home meant begrudgingly watching Young Talent Time. I wish my sisters could have been with me on Saturday watching the Radford Dance Academy Showcase. For someone with daggy-dad moves, it was next-level brilliant. It was simply a joy to watch the students bring together the culmination of their year – the timing, power, endurance, and grace of their collective movements - and, above all, seeing the students have fun. The whole evening reminded me of one of my favourite Bible verses:

Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4.8.

The season of Advent begins in little over a week. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word, Adventus, which means coming or arrival. It is a time to reflect and to prepare for the arrival of Christ as a child at Christmas. At each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, we rejoice in God’s love for us by lighting a candle, each marking a different theme – hope, peace, joy, and love.

Advent provides an opportunity for us to take stock of our life. An opportunity to reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings, energising us to ask for forgiveness and a fresh start. At the same time, Advent is a time of joy, looking forward to the celebration of Christ’s birth. On the third Sunday, we observe joy. This is traditionally marked by lighting a pink candle, unlike the other candles which are purple (the royal colour that is regarded as penitential).

During Senior Chapels this term, we have observed each theme of the Advent weeks, and this cycle has focussed on joy. Like the senior students, I encourage all of us to reflect on the things that have brought us joy during the year and the moments of joy we can look forward to during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Whether we find joy in watching our students perform well, spending time with family, recovering from the year’s efforts, time away holidaying, or bringing joy to others in a spirit of love, may this Christmas be one of blessing and joy for our community.

Where I saw God last
by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed

The dimple in your right cheek, the child playing peek-a-boo from his stroller, the abuelita who spends her afternoons in the park by 86th; the teenagers on the subway who cannot control their laughter; Neil, my neighbour, who always asks about you, the mother who whispers a dozen times a day, “thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus”; the saxophone player at 42nd street, the poets, the artists, the garden volunteers; the metro car driver who sticks his head out the window to make sure we’re all aboard; the man who gave up his seat on the subway, the kid in the dinosaur pyjamas who cannot be convinced they’re not school attire; the teachers, the nurses, the taxi cab drivers; the woman at the end of the block with her yappy dogs and her books in the window, the lovers that lay sprawled out on park blankets, the runners, the daydreamers, the sidewalk chalk artists; John from upstairs whose favourite flowers are yellow tulips, the Persian man at the grocery who tells me to be safe when I leave, my grandmother in Georgia; my neighbour, the stranger; thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus.

Reminder to support our Giving Trees

Please bring a small (unwrapped) toy, gift cards, or non-perishable food items to collection points at the Secondary School Library or Junior School Reception for our Giving Trees.

May you experience joy in the week ahead
Chaplain Andy

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