Christmas is a time to reflect on the year that was and look ahead at what is to come. In 2022, our value of community has held our joys and sorrows. “The work of Christmas”, by the African American mystic Howard Thurman, is a poem I think captures how we, as a community, have tried to live Christmas every day in 2022:

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

As we come to the end of the year preparing to celebrate Christmas, may you be surrounded by friends and family. May you find time to rest and be refreshed. Remembering Jesus’ words, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

To all in the St Mary’s School community, may you have a blessed Christmas and fruitful New Year.

Ukuthula akwande!

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN