Christmas without Christ? A Public School Teacher's Dilemma

This is the time of year decorations start to take over our houses, lights are strung outside, Christmas music consumes much of the radio, and the excitement of the holidays is growing. For Christians this time means much more than what the secular world thinks of as "Christmas". Today in church marked the start of Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation of the celebration of Christ's birth. As the saying goes, "Jesus is the reason for the season" and though a bit cheesy, it captures what is true. God's gift of Jesus to His people is what this holiday season is all about.

So as I think about Christmas in this start of the Advent season I face a dilemma: how to prepare for Christmas in my classroom without Christ? Growing up in Christian schools, this is the first Christmas I will spend without the luxury of being able to share the true reason for my excitement this holiday season. My "advent" rather, is wrapped up in candy canes, stockings, reindeer, presents, and Santa Claus. Though all exciting Christmas memories--ones that I too share--I am saddened at the thought that I cannot openly share the joy of Christ's birth with my students.

Though a bit discouraged at this thought, I was encouraged by the message at church this morning. Our pastor talked about the work of Holy Spirit in Christians to spread the love of God. Quite often I neglect to ask the Holy Spirit to work in my life. So as I prepare for this advent season in my classroom I will instead look for ways to spread this joy and love in ways I am allowed and I pray the Holy Spirit will move in me as I "share" the true reason for the season!