The December Challenge
by Aaron Cady
Christmas Nativity Setting Under a Christmas Tree by dndavis
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Biblical principles and a Christian worldview are integrated into and expressed in all of NorthStar’s classes. Teachers challenge students to think critically about their faith and worldview. However, teachers do their own challenges as well. This past December, most of the teachers at NorthStar read through the book of Luke together. Stephanie Shafer, NorthStar’s Chief Operating Officer, came up with the idea to read one chapter a day. “I thought it was a wonderful opportunity for all teachers and staff to join together reading one book of the Bible,” Mrs. Shafer said. The teachers communicate and share their thoughts, messages, and videos in Teams.
December is the month of advent and the celebration of Jesus’s birth. “Luke is a wonderful book to reflect on who Jesus is! We learn why He came, how He came, and all about His character,” Mrs. Shafer says, “December is the perfect month to reflect on the entire book but especially chapter 2 (the Nativity story). We should be encouraged to share the gospel with everyone we encounter every day but especially the month of December as we celebrate our savior.”
This is the first challenge to read a book that the teachers have done, but there are other ways for them to have fellowship. “We have opportunities to participate in prayer groups and Bible studies,” said Mrs. April Meyer, an English teacher at NorthStar. Mrs. Meyer enjoyed reading through Luke. “Yes, I found it helpful to read through Luke in preparing my heart for Christmas.” This was the first challenge that Mrs. Meyer has participated in, and if the teachers were to do another challenge like this one, she would want to study the minor prophets. “I am not familiar with the minor prophets,” she said, “so I would find reading through those books to be beneficial.”
The Christmas story is one of the most important in the Bible. The second chapter of Luke gives us a wonderful look into it.
“9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Knowing that the teachers at NorthStar are studying this story and the life of Jesus is very encouraging. This commitment will aid them in integrating the Gospel into their classes and, through that, solidify the faith of their students.
Aaron Cady is a junior at NorthStar and has been part of the school for five years. He has written for the Navigator for two years. Aaron loves writing, sports, and any mixtures of the two. Aaron hopes to pursue a career in writing or journalism when he graduates.