Our bi-weekly Friday morning chapel is one of those things that makes the elementary campus just a little extra wonderful. Our kindergarten students joined us for chapel for the first time last week Friday, and hearing 450 children’s voices singing praise songs together is the best. What a privilege it is to offer Christian education.

During that chapel we reflected on our school theme and theme verse:

HOPE

We asked our students to share some of the things that they hope for:

  • a cool treehouse at school
  • kittens
  • a trip to Disneyland
  • great birthdays

Hoping for things is exciting. It opens a world of possibilities and joy and “what-ifs.”

Even as adults we use the word “hope” often.

  • “I hope you have a great day.”
  • “Hope you feel better.”
  • “I hope this email find you well.”

As parents, we also have big hopes for our children and their future.

However all these hopes are not guarantees. We know things don’t always turn out the way we hope. They are perhaps more like a wish or a dream, or maybe a goal.

Our Cornerstone

Our school’s theme this year points to a different kind of hope. The Bible kind. A hope that is certain.

Our hope is in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with Him is full redemption.
(Psalm 130:7)

We can live with confidence that God’s got this, and Jesus loves us. It gives us a sense of purpose, belonging, and eternal hope. It is the foundation, (or cornerstone) of Christian faith.

We know that no matter what circumstances we face, God’s love remains constant and unchanging. It offers peace, joy, comfort, and assurance that through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled with God. This kind of hope inspires us to live, and learn, with courage and conviction, knowing that God’s love and grace are ours.

That’s even better than birthdays, kittens, a treehouse, and a trip to Disneyland.

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)

PS: Parents are always welcome to join us for chapel. We meet every other Friday in the elementary gym at 8:35 am.