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Light Shines Through: Teachings from the Biblical Narrative

September 19, 2022
By Jen Baham | Teaching Principal

The mission of San Jose Christian School is to advance the kingdom of God through exceptional teaching and curriculum fully integrated with a Biblical perspective. Within our Christian community, we seek to engage and transform culture for Jesus Christ.

From the opening pages of the Bible until the final pages, LIGHT weaves through the narratives, prophecies, and poetry, teaching us about who God is, who we are as God’s people, and what Light has to do with our purpose. Genesis 1 begins:

“When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3

 

In between Genesis and Revelation, Light shows up again and again teaching us that: 

  • God’s Light brings order to chaos.

  • God offers Light to all.

  • Jesus is the Light of the world.

  • Light reveals truth, so those who live in Light live in truth.

  • God’s Light shines unto eternity.

Our mission to advance the kingdom of God and transform culture for Jesus Christ aligns with biblical teaching on Light. Each and every day, we see examples of this teaching as the Light of God shines across grade levels, ages, and subjects.

God’s Light brings order to chaos. I recently saw this Biblical teaching on light in the 8 Bible course introduction. Students considered the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation and sought to name the “Top Ten Events.” Working through events such as Creation, the Fall, the prophets, the Silent Years, and Jesus’ life, students collaboratively articulated how God showed His desire for relationship with His people in that particular event. They then visually represented God’s presence in one Bible event. Albert created this watercolor piece which portrays God’s God’s relational presence with his people after the fall of Genesis 3.

Light reveals truth, so those who live in Light live in truth. Our Grade 6 students begin middle school history with the GRAPES acronym. After a brief introduction of each element of culture (Geography, Religion, Achievement, Politics, Economics, Social Structure), students created a circle book of the GRAPES of their lives and cultures. The journal prompt at the end of the circle book allowed students to consider why their particular life matters. Liam wrote, “My history matters because God has a special purpose for my life.”

God offers Light to all! SJCS parents can watch faith integration unfold throughout the year through the student Faith Journey portfolios. (If you do not yet have access to your child’s Preschool - 8th Grade Faith Journey portfolio, ask your child’s teacher.) Miss Blenda recently posted how math can be used to teach about God. She wrote in PJ’s Faith Journey post that even as little ones our life can feel stressful at times, but a clock reminds him that God loves us all the time. 

These recent moments are part of the greater story of God’s Light at San Jose Christian. For over 60+ years God’s Light has shone through students, parents, staff, and our community across grade levels, content areas, and programs. This is our worship! We declare that Jesus is the Light of the world as we offer God the chaos of our lives in the midst of a broken world. We pray “God, shine your Light!” in confidence that God, as the Light of the World, brings order to our chaos, offers Light to all, and calls us to live as people of Light.

Although we cannot see what is ahead for San Jose Christian, our future is secure in Jesus Christ as God guides our steps with His Light. We walk in faith knowing that God’s Light shines unto eternity! Revelation 22 opens our imagination to what it is like to live in Light: 

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb … the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations…the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him…they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5

 

Let’s live as people of Light!

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