Christmas is right around the corner, and we are all looking for the perfect gift.  As parents, we face these decisions every year and always look for some happy middle ground between the elaborate consumerism of our age and the primitive memories of the past.

 

A few simple principles may help in the process.  Number one for us is a budget.  Our funds are not unlimited, and any gifts we desire to bring need to be realistically affordable.  We cannot all be kings with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  

 

Our gifts may be limited by our means, but not by their meaning.   I always hope to have or give something with a meaning attached to the gift.  Each gift of the Magi was associated with a spiritual principle of Christ's Kingship, Deity, and Death.  Often, the inherent meaning of the gift goes beyond the price tag of the purchase.

Another idea which we are incorporating for our staff and teachers is giving the gift of time.  I have scheduled a luncheon at both the Lower School on the 5th of December and the Upper School on the 12th whereby our parents and teacher appreciation committee are invited to come in and have lunch with the students while the teachers have a quiet, restful moment where they can be served a nice meal.  

Giving this gift of time is another way you can express your gratitude for our teachers and loved ones, and I encourage you to sign up for lunch duties on the 5th or 12th if spots are still left.  To help with the luncheon, just sign-up here.

Finally, Christmas is about the greatest gift God could give of Himself.  His package was wrapped in humanity, tender and mild. Clothed in flesh, the Godhead dwelt among us.  We beheld His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. He realized no material possession or even a hidden meaning of some card could replace the very presence of Himself in history.  God gives Himself at Christmas as a purchase for all humanity.

May we, like Jesus, not withhold ourselves from those we love the most during this blessed season.  And may we remember all good and perfect gifts come from Him.

	Check out the latest issue of the student run Spartan Standard Online, Christ Covenant School's new student online news site. Spartan Standard Online
	Discount Yearbooks are available for sale at www.balfour.com: $28 for the first book and $22 for siblings or teacher gifts.Get yours today before the price increases to $32 on January 5 with no quantity discount. For details on ordering, refer to RenWeb Announcements.   Send photos:  Our students are involved in cool activities, ministries and other community service all over the county. We would love to highlight your child's activities in the yearbook.  Ideas:  First day of school, summer fun, service to others.   Please send pictures to [email protected] or use the ImageShare app by Balfour.  Use project #816941 if needed.
	Christ Covenant parents meet and regularly pray for our school.  Please contact Amy for details and the next meeting date, 617-510-7506.

	Parent help with staff Christmas luncheon.  Click here.
Hot Lunch Drivers and on-site servers needed	Lower School Volunteers        Upper School Volunteers Thank you to our Hot Lunch volunteers!  We would not be able to offer this program without you!!!

Spartan Sports Information 

   

    Forms:

Purchase a season 2017/18 Spartan 300 card.  You'll receive free admission for your family to all 2017-18 home games!  Click link to order.