True Christmas Spirit

It is hard to believe that there are only five days left before Christmas Day. It’s at this time of the year when people get into the “The Christmas Spirit”. It is very common to hear people say, “Hearing all those Christmas carols playing in the mall sure puts me in the Christmas Spirit” or “If we could just have some white snow on the ground that would really put me in the Christmas Spirit.” But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “What is ‘The Christmas Spirit’?”

True Christmas Spirit is described for us in the book of Luke. In the first chapters of this Gospel, we find examples from Elizabeth, Zacharias, the angels, shepherds, Simeon and Anna. Their response to the coming and birth of Christ is the true spirit of Christmas. It is a God-ward focus. It is worship. Remember the wise men that came to see Jesus? In Matthew 2:2 they said, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to … worship Him.” If Christmas is a time for anything; it is a time for worship.

One commentator describes worship as an attitude of the heart. When the attitude of the heart is so overflowing with thankfulness and wonder at what God has done that there is not a thought of personal needs or personal blessings only total abandonment to God in praise and adoration, then we are truly worshipping.

An attitude of worship is very evident in Mary’s “Magnificat” found in Luke 1:46-55. Her song of worship and praise teaches a few important lessons about the attitude that should accompany our worship:

The first thing we learn is that worship is internal. Mary said, “My soul magnifies or exalts the Lord.” And then, “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Both words refer to the inner mind, or being, the emotion, the will, all those feelings of the human heart. Worship comes up from the inside. It bubbles up and bubbles over.
The second thing we can learn about the attitude of worship is that it is passionate. Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” When Mary says she magnifies the Lord, she is glorifying, exalting, extolling and lifting up. Mary also said, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour”. It means overjoyed, to be exceedingly joyful, ecstatic, jubilant, to be joyful out loud. Mary’s heart was bursting with intense, overflowing, exuberant, passionate praise and adoration to God.
The third thing we can learn about the right attitude of worship is that it is habitual. The verb “magnify” in verse 46 is a ‘continuous present tense’ verb that is best translated as magnifies. My soul continually magnifies the Lord. In other words, for Mary, it was a way of life.

Have you ever experienced the true spirit of Christmas? Have your children?

Our prayer is that each and every student and parent at Orangeville Christian School would have the same desire that is expressed by the 19th century poet, Christina Rossetti in the last stanza of her poem entitled, “In the Bleak Mid-Winter”:

What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man I would do my part, Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart.”

Blessings,

Rick Schenk
Principal
Orangeville Christian School

Alyssa Edward

February 22, 2023

OCS has been fantastic for our family and our children. Our kids are learning so much, and they feel safe in an amazing school environment.

Beth Amy

February 13, 2023

Our kids love OCS and we really appreciate how personable and community oriented the school is. Our son struggled with being behind in some classes and within a week of starting they had identified and set him up with an in school tutor and it made a massive difference.

Christine Kennedy

February 12, 2023

We are thrilled with OCS. The environment, the classroom, the content, and the experiences they provide demonstrate a deep care and love for each and every student. Truly so thankful for how they are equipping and building up the next generation.

Becky Prins

February 10, 2023

We feel incredibly blessed to have an option like OCS for our children to attend! Teachers are amazing, and while always striving to provide excellent academic challenges and incorporate new experiences, they also actually care about my kids. They encourage, correct, and connect with love and intentionality. The facilities are awesome as well and we are especially excited about this year's school play! Thank you for all you do OCS!

Julia G

OCS is everything a school should be, and so much more. Their priority is the wellbeing of the students and this is evident in how the students are nurtured and cared for. OCS offers rich programming and curriculum to ensure that the needs of all students are met. The educators are extremely knowledgeable and work tirelessly for the benefit of all students. I am impressed daily by how happy my daughter is to attend school and the depth of knowledge and quality of work that she brings home. OCS is not only preparing students to be higher level thinkers and problem solvers, it is instilling core values of kindess and empathy within it's students. I cannot imagine a better place for my daughter to embark on her educational journey.

Cheryl Birch

February 9, 2023

We have had students enrolled at OCS from 2015 to 2023. Every single year we have been so thankful to have fabulous and approachable teachers. We're so appreciative of the affirmation of identity and God's love that our kids receive at OCS. We have found the math curriculum and individual monitoring of academic progress to be much improved at OCS from what we experienced in the public school system. The sports and music programs are excellent. We have greatly enjoyed the love of reading developed by the Battle of the Books club, and other initiatives at OCS, that we feel have given our kids an advantage in their preparation for high school.

Wayne Johnson

We, as a family, had no problem posting a review for OCS!!! Our journey there began in September/2014 when our grandson was enrolled in JK. His experience there was positive in every aspect…academically, socially and spiritually. Eventually, Wayne began working there in a maintenance position and Judy as both an EA and supply teacher. Although we have both retired, Wayne continues to volunteer on the maintenance committee and Judy as supply. We plan to continue supporting OCS to the best of our abilities in the future!!!

Greg Bennett

Suzy Koolen

My daughter loves OCS. The staff and fellow students have been very welcoming as she joined half way through the year. My daughter is finally receiving a quality education. Highly recommend!

Steve Koolen

Very friendly and welcoming staff and students. Small class sizes for better learning. My daughter was miserable at her old school, and is now back to her happy self at Orangeville Christian School.

Erika F

OCS has been incredible for our 3 children who started this year. I couldn’t be happier with our experience. The teachers are caring and attentive and take the time to get to know each student individually. The academic program has been challenging and rewarding and we have seen so much growth in all our children. The environment feels safe and is community based and the school offers a wide range of activities for the children and their families. Overall, I am extremely impressed by the commitment to excellence that is evident at this school and would highly recommend it to other parents.

Robyn Johnstone

October 7, 2020

OCS is more than just a school, it is a community and a family where parents truly are partners in the education of their children! We feel truly blessed to have our two children here! The teachers are amazing and the facility itself is top notch!