Our shining stars

Way back on Dec. 10 was the School Christmas Program. Our new principal decided to try a different format this year. The entire school was cast in a short play about the First Christmas that was narrated by an Old Star (an 8th grade student) and a New Star (Coryn) and included traditional carols sung by all the students in unison. Jo was cast as a wiseman with just one line to memorize. And Mallory was one of the little starlets in the choir.

As narrator, Coryn had roughly 60 lines to read --- that part was not of any concern. However her full-body costume was not to her liking and she repeatedly refused to wear it during the rehearsals. I could scarcely choke down dinner before the show because I was so anxious that Coryn's sour attitude about the costume would spoil her performance. Matt and I gave her a little pep talk before the show about getting into her character as the New Star, explaining the goofy costume was part of acting  as the character. Thanks be to God she put on the costume without any fuss and read her lines with all the expression and enthusiasm she had practiced.

Every student - from 3K all the way thru to the 8th grade - acted and sang their heart out that night. It was a beautiful reminder of the true reason for this holy season. I tell my girls every year that it doesn't feel like Christmas until I hear children singing carols in a church. 

A new friend shared her favorite Advent hymns and one that has stuck with me is called Holy Is Your Name. We've been listening to the song often these past few weeks and this morning in the historic St. Mary's church the staff and students sang that very song at morning mass. It was chosen to match today's gospel reading that is the Magnificat or Canticle of Mary. It is a beautiful song in which Mary praises God. I urge you to listen to the song to ready your heart for the Birth of Our Savior.

My soul is filled with joy

as I sing to God my savior:
you have looked upon your servant,
you have visited your people.

Refrain
And holy is your name through all generations!
Everlasting is your mercy to the people you have chosen,
and holy is your name.

 I am lowly as a child,
but I know from this day forward
that my name will be remembered,
for all will call me blessed.

 I proclaim the pow’r of God,
you do marvels for your servants;
though you scatter the proud hearted
and destroy the might of princes.

To the hungry you give food,
send the rich away empty.
In your mercy you are mindful
of the people you have chosen.

 In your love you now fulfill
what you promised to your people.
I will praise you, Lord, my savior,
everlasting is your mercy.