{ special holiday edition }
Last year, we enjoyed putting together an extensive list favorite traditions and ways to enjoy the holiday season. (Check it out here - many of these ideas are still relevant so it's worth your time to scroll back through!) In this season of Advent that can tend to fill up so quickly, our hope is not to add to the clutter but rather to provide some refreshing ideas to help you savor this time of waiting and joyful expectation. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
To EQUIP you as parents…
A bit of inspiration to"unhurry": If you're looking for some ideas of ways to slow down and feel less overwhelmed by how hurried these weeks leading up to Christmas often feel, check out this video from John Mark Comer. He shares both some inspirational thoughts about "unhurrying" as well as some practical ideas to try!
To ENRICH you in your walk with Christ...
Some pieces of media for Advent: In this season, there are many ways to be intentional about embracing the season of Advent. Here are some great resources to consider checking out - to read or listen, alone or with friends or family...
That Sounds Fund Advent Series (travel through Advent with Annie F. Downs on her podcast, as she shares 10ish minutes of devotional thoughts each weekday)
The Advent Project from Biola University (each day includes a piece of art, a piece of music, a poem, a devotional and a prayer)
The Common Rule Advent Edition (featuring a free printable guide full of suggested Scripture readings, super-short devotionals, prayers, liturgies and more)
A bit of an opportunity to give: 'Tis the season for giving, the time of year when many of us experience the truth that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." If you are looking for a meaningful way to do your year-end giving, consider this amazing opportunity. By giving toward our World Vision Ignite program, you will be making a difference in the lives of our students as they continue to practice loving God and their neighbor while at the same time changing the lives of children and their community in Guatemala.
To help you ENGAGE with your kids...
Some pieces of Christmas-themed music: All of these recommendations come straight from members of the ACSD community. Special thanks to all who contributed your ideas. Hope these suggestions help to fill your homes and lives with joyful Christmas sounds!
Live music performances
Christmas concerts at BCS (Dec. 13, 7pm) and WCA (Dec. 16, 7pm)
Glen Rock Carolers on Christmas Eve
I Heard the Bells (first-ever theatrical release by Sight and Sound Films)
Recorded music recommendations
Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival" (Mr. Rappoldt's absolute favorite orchestral piece) Arthur Feidler Christmas Albums
Glen Rock Carolers
Trans-Siberian Orchestra ("Christmas in Sarajevo/Carol of the Bells" is one student's favorite)
Bing Crosby Christmas
Burl Ives Christmas
Come Home for Christmas (album) by Matthew West
O Come All You Unfaithful by Sovereign Grace Music
The Little Drummer Boy, especially the Bing Crosby and David Bowie's duet version
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (one teacher especially loves very traditional arrangements of this one)
Christmas Is Here by Danny Gokey
Mary did you know, by Michael English
A Christmas Story (Christmas album) Point of Grace
What Child is this, by, Building 429
Christmas Everyday, by Unspoken
Little Drummer Boy, by for KING & COUNTRY
Hallelujah by Carrie Underwood
Mary Did You Know?
O Holy Night by Celine Dion
One non-recommendation
One family made a point to share music to NOT listen to, saying "I avoid all songs from The Chipmunks Christmas Album. oooo just thinking about it brings chills down my back." :)
Other ways to enjoy music in this season
Musical at church featuring some of our students
Seeing The Nutcracker (some of our students will be dancing in it!)
Christmas caroling (one family will be caroling with their church youth group)
Listening to muisc on Sirius XM Radio
Singing carols at church
We hope these bits and pieces are a blessing to you as you continue to follow Jesus in your everyday life. Thanks for allowing us to share!
For more encouragement and some suggested ways to pray with us, be sure to subscribe to our Prayer Matters blog, updated weekly throughout the school year.
Not yet officially a part of the Alliance community? You can schedule a time to meet with a member of the Berks Christian or West-Mont Christian administrative team for a free educational consultation (virtual meetings are available).
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**We'd love to hear from you! Ask us a question or send us your feedback - our goal is to make these newsletters as helpful to you as possible.
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