Dear Warrior Families,

'Tis the season. While I may not come from a liturgical background, I have come to appreciate the routines and rituals that accompany the church calendar. Holidays like Christmas and Easter arrive annually, and the rituals we engage in ground our faith and anchor us in hope. At ICS, these traditions also help strengthen our Christ-centered culture.

For instance, our Christmas concerts feature music and lyrics that many of us know by heart. Additionally, performances like the recent Grade 2 chapel remind us that effective communication includes sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through words, songs, and seasonal symbols. One delightful tradition that has emerged in our school culture is welcoming students with Christmas carols as they enter.

This week, I felt particularly blessed by the Grade 4 performance of the Hallelujah Chorus. I am grateful to our Music Department for their dedication to developing choral music at our school and for finding creative ways for our students to use their musical gifts to bless our community.

A dear friend of mine, who served as a pastor in Africa for many years, once shared that the church in his country refers to the Hallelujah Chorus as “The National Anthem of Heaven.” In Revelation 19, we are given a vision of heaven where believers from every nation continuously sing “Hallelujah” (Praise to the LORD, Yahweh) to our victorious Savior. The passage describes a great multitude, like the roar of many waters, crying out:

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”

Life in this world may not always feel victorious. Jesus reminded us that we will face challenges, but He also encouraged us to be of good cheer—much like the angels proclaimed at Christmas—because He has overcome the world. Regardless of our circumstances. Christ’s advent serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that anchors us to the eternal.

Elementary School Google Calendar:

Whenever we make a change to the calendar it will appear on the Elementary School Google Calendar.  Parents can view the Elementary Google Calendar from the school's website.  On the My ICS page, simply scroll down to the calendars, find the Elementary School calendar, and click the Google Calendar icon on the bottom right of the calendar.