Light of the World

(yes sean, I will be labelling this under 'God' again :P)

Having the school uniform on again was definitely the strangest sensation, waking up at 5.45a.m was an equally strange and out-of-habit experience. Nevertheless, there was always something special about the first day of school - that sparkle of enthusiasm, that rejuvenated passion and that hidden wanting to meet everybody again. It brought a smile to my face, a God-given joy, that brimmed from within throughout the entire day.

Perhaps it was the prospect of meeting new people, admittingly it was an enjoyable experience, one that we looked upon with apprehension, yet was surprisingly delightful when it came. Of course, it all boils down to attitude (100% :P) - and having clothed myself with that positive attitude (that so bugs all good handful of people), I must confess that I did have a memorable orientation - kudos to all the Year 6s - you guys are a great bunch.

More importantly, Dr Ong shared the theme for this year:

'You are the light of the world' Matt 5:14

As Christians we are called to clothe ourselves with love, compassion, and the Fruit of the Spirit. To set our minds on things above, and to always have an eternal perspective in things. Having been brought out of our (individual) darkness, we have entered His marvellous light, and nothing short of gratitude should follow.

'Out of the darkness, into His marvellous light' 1 Peter 2:9b

And for that reason let us endlessly declare God's praises and his majesty, praying unceasingly, rejoicing always and always full of gratitude for the one who plucked us from the miry clay and made us beautiful. Some people choose to hide their light under the bowl, but this year, let us with confidence shine for God, as testimonies of His loving-kindness, spread the love of Christ to all those around us.

The most fascinating thing about light is its influence on the surroundings, it gives vision, it even gives warmth (like a blazing fire), and it removes all fear. As we go about our IB years in 2007 and 2008, let's adopt this mission, to be little lamps for Christ, and

bring the light of the gospel to those who are still in the dark;
bring the warmth of compassion to those who are in pain;
and bring assurance, hope and the promises of God to those trapped in fear!

Consider it pure joy, to be a lamp for Christ. My brothers (and now sisters) in Christ, continue in this labour of love. and to all my 4.9 and 4.10 friends, let this desire to glorify Christ be the everlasting link that remains between us, even as we go down our separate paths!