Principal's Ponderings

Preparing Our Hearts

Luke 3:4–6

I know many of you may not want to hear Christmas mentioned yet, it is only October for that matter. However, I have learnt sometimes it can help thinking and planning early on things, so they don’t rush and surprise us, especially when they are so rushed we then have negative thoughts about them. In the lead-up to Christmas, many of us feel the pull of preparation. From the day this newsletter is published it will still be 57 days to go until Christmas. Supermarkets remind us to stock up early, shops display decorations before spring has even finished and school calendars quickly fill with concerts, assemblies, excursions, camps and end-of-year events. We prepare gifts, food, holiday plans and schedules. Preparation is everywhere, but what about preparing our hearts?

When John the Baptist stepped onto the scene, his message was simple and urgent: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.” (Luke 3:4–6).

John was not talking about decorating homes or polishing routines. He was calling people to clear away the obstacles in their hearts that were keeping them from truly welcoming Jesus. Pride, selfishness, unforgiveness, greed, these had to go, because the King was coming.

At school, we see many ways that preparation shapes outcomes. Teachers prepare lessons carefully, and students are better able to learn. Families prepare children with lunches, uniforms and encouragement, and the school day runs smoothly. Sports teams prepare with practice and performance improves. In each case, preparation matters because it makes space for something good to happen.

The same is true for our hearts. To prepare the way for Jesus means we invite Him to work in our lives. It might mean choosing forgiveness over holding a grudge, slowing down enough to pray instead of rushing ahead, or being willing to serve others even when it costs us. Sometimes, preparing our hearts means saying no to distractions that compete for our attention so that we can say yes to the presence of Christ.

Christmas has a way of becoming busy, even overwhelming. If we are not careful, we can fill every day with so much activity that there becomes no room for the One the season is about. Preparing our hearts is a deliberate choice to welcome Jesus not just on Christmas Day, but every day.

In our school community, preparing our hearts may look like a student offering encouragement to a classmate, a staff member praying before stepping into the classroom, or a family choosing to give generously to those in need. These acts are not grand or flashy, but they make the path straight for Jesus to be seen and known in our midst.

This Advent season, may we each ask: is there room for Jesus in my heart? Is my life open to His leading? And as we make space, may our community shine with the joy and peace of Christ.

What might be cluttering your heart right now and crowding out space for Jesus, and what is one way you can make room for Him this week?

Lord Jesus, we want to prepare the way for You. Show us the things in our hearts that need to be cleared away. Help us to forgive, to slow down, and to choose You above every distraction. May our school and our homes be places where Your presence is welcomed with joy. Amen.

With hope for hearts to be prepared,

Chad Smit