And while they were there, the time came for her (Mary) to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
At Christmas, we are reminded that our greatest gift came in the most unexpected way. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, arrived not in power or prestige, but in humility. Not born to a kingly throne, our King Eternal was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. Yet this unexpected arrival delivered the most remarkable and marvelous gift the world has ever known—a gift that meets our greatest need.
In Christ, God gives us forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. What no effort of our own could earn, God freely provides through His Son. The child laid in the manger is the Savior who would later lay down His life for us, securing victory over sin, death, and the devil.
As we reflect on this truth, we also pause with grateful hearts for the ways God has blessed Concordia during this past school year.
I give thanks for our students, their growth, perseverance, and success. I’m grateful for the faculty and staff who faithfully serve them each day. I’m especially thankful for families who partner with us in this shared calling, and for a community that continues to support Christ-centered education with generosity and prayer.
We have seen tangible progress on our construction and renovation plans, reached incredible milestones in our capital campaign, and see, and daily reminders that the Lord continues to provide for this school and guide its future.
None of these blessings stand apart from the gift we celebrate at Christmas. They flow from it.
At Concordia, we rejoice that Christ is at the center of all that we do. A Lutheran Christian education is one where the simple but profoundly life-changing gift of Jesus is proclaimed and delivered every day. In classrooms and conversations, through successes and challenges alike, we point to the Savior who has come and who continues to be present with His people.
From all of us at Concordia Lutheran High School to you and your family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the Savior of the Nations be at the center of your celebrations, and may His peace fill your hearts and homes.
Merry Christmas, Concordia Family!
Jacob Pennekamp
Head of School