It's Never Over

Yesterday was a day of affirmation for me in my classroom. We learned about Saint Nicholas, the real man who lived long ago and who embodied the giving spirit.  As they watched and as we discussed the meaning of Christmas, I was able to share the real story.  We talked about how the true story made Saint Nicholas want to be generous and having a heart that saw others' needs.  

One student said, "I'm not asking for anything for Christmas, except for my Nana to get here safely from Honduras."  Other students asked for "love in my house" and "for my family to be back together."  These kids have hearts and some of them are longing for hope and restoration and love.  

Is that so different from the rest of the world?  We see so much darkness, but we refuse to step outside into the darkness to shed some light.  

Christmas is never over...it should just be the beginning...

"It's Not Over"

"It is not over,
this birthing.
There are always newer skies
into which
God can throw stars.
When we begin to think 
that we can predict the Advent of God,
that we can box the Christ
in a stable in Bethlehem,
that's just the time
that God will be born
in a place we can't imagine and won't believe.
Those who wait for God
watch with their hearts and not their eyes,
listening
always listening
for angel words."