Wrapping Up the Season

​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

I remember the first Christmas mornings for each of our children when they were just babies. The air was full with anticipation and the video cameras were ready with fully charged batteries. Both sets of grandparents were present, wanting to watch first hand how their grandbaby might respond to their many gifts.  Each of those many gifts were wrapped in a variety of colors, bows, and ribbons. And then the moment finally arrived when gift after gift was placed in front of the valued grandbaby.

After some coaching and modeling and a little help, each gift was systematically unwrapped and revealed. With increasing interest and speed, each remaining gift was quickly consumed by our infant. But then, instead of focusing on the value and unique purpose of each gift, the baby’s interest focused on the piles of leftover wrapping paper and miscellaneous decorations. Initial disappointment from the gift-givers quickly turned into fascination as it was clear that the glitz of the packaging clearly exceeded the more valuable gift from the giver.  

In the same way it is still possible as adults to trade in the reason for the season with the glitz our culture provides around every corner. The birth of God’s son and the gift of eternal life can easily be overshadowed by lights, toys, and tasty treats. While these cultural components of Christmas can be part of the celebration, they are similar to used wrapping paper in comparison to the true value of God’s gift of His Son. 

As our children grew older, they quickly learned that the gift inside the package is much more important than the colorful wrapping paper. In the same way, during these weeks of Advent mature disciples focus their celebrations on the coming of Christ. The packaging of the season is not intended to replace the value of the season, but rather to draw attention to His arrival. So celebrate like crazy with lights and cinnamon rolls, and as you clean up the wrapping paper, remember to continue to reveal, enjoy, and share the greatest gift ever given! 
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School