During 2020, all of us had some challenges to face that required us to make changes – some more than others. St. Luke’s Children’s Centers had to make some large changes to face the challenges. Our biggest challenge by far was opening our Hope Centers. This was a program endorsed by The Department of Human Services that enabled us to conduct school virtually from our childcare sites.

We were blessed with teachers who were able to step in and work with the children on the online platform for their individual schools. Having virtual school enabled the parents to be able to work and not have to worry whether their child was completing their assignments or having to teach them while doing their job at the same time.

Another challenge was during Christmas.

One of my favorite songs of Christmas is the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem.  My favorite part of it is the last two lines of the first verse: 

Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the Everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears, of all the years, are met in thee tonight.

Looking at those words helps to reveal what Christmas does for us.  This world can appear full of darkness, full of pain, full of brokenness, but there is light and love born into the world.  In the midst of the dark streets, the Everlasting Light shineth.  When we encounter darkness in our own lives, it can certainly give way to fear; but it’s important for us to remember that Light conquers darkness.

Think about the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – there is no darkness in a spot occupied by candlelight…