Friday, December 7, 2018

December 7, 2018


Dear Aspen Chapel Families,

     It's the most wonderful time of the year! That is if we can take time for self care and to be present with our children between holiday parties, holiday performances, shopping, extended family, decorating, and doing all the last-minute errands required to create an ambiance for this most wonderful time. 

     As the youth coordinator for the Chapel, I feel so fortunate to be able to pause for 45 minutes with your children on Sundays to remember why we put so much work into the production of Christmas. When I'm making cookies at the last minute for a holiday sing-along with my child and hear myself impatiently sighing when the powdered sugar and vanilla spill all over her cream sweater, I have to remember to breathe. The purpose of this season is to find our inner light and peace amidst the chaos of the season. Slowing down, getting quiet, and breathing can acquaint us with our true selves, enabling us to take on only the tasks and obligations we can handle. If we stay within our limits, we can show up for our loved ones in peace.

    This coming Sunday, we'll continue our exploration of Advent. The candle we'll light downstairs on our Advent wreath will represent LOVE. Older students will perform a skit illustrating the messages Mary and Joseph received from the angel, Gabriel, and how their pure love and faith made them the chosen ones for bringing Baby Jesus into the world. We'll also incorporate a short game to think about trust and faith. As we light the candle, we'll continue visiting the idea that when we become still and quiet, we're more likely to hear a voice inside that comes from Love, and when we learn to trust that voice, good things can happen in our lives.

    If we have enough time, we'll read The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. This has become a favorite story in our house, and is part of the holiday stack of books. It beautifully teaches us the joy of giving, and is so appropriate as we accumulate more and more over the holidays.

    I'm looking forward to seeing you Sunday if you can come!


UPCOMING EVENTS:

Holiday Storytime & Ornaments December 23rd from 2-4

Christmas Eve Service for Children December 24th at 4:00

Parents' Night Out December 27th from 5:30-8:30

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