By Sarah Myers, Language Department Chairperson
At NDP quiet Advent joy crescendos into Tree Trim, Concerts and Christmas Liturgy
At NDP the girls are waiting and watching, witnessing and learning. The celebration of Advent has begun and laptops display countdown clocks that tick over the days until Christmas. Teachers, staff and administrators move students forward through plans laid down in the opening days of the school year; and through all of this busyness a thrum of hope fills the air. In this special time of year the community begins each day with Advent Prayer as they come together in anticipation of the coming of the Christ . . . and students continue in their studies, preparing to move out of these busy halls and into the world with transformative love.
Hope. Joy. Tree Trim. Concerts. Advent Prayer. Preparation. Love. At NDP the girls are showing us the way . . . and the season of Advent is upon us.
At NDP young women and adults teach one another and learn more than they thought possible about how social, political, civil, religious, cultural and economic forces shape the world. Young women and their mentors step into new problems, speak up about bias, and find pathways through barriers once thought impenetrable. Sister Cathy Arata, S.S.N.D., brings us simple stories of women and girls in El Salvador and South Sudan that burgeon into calls for change and justice. In this special time of year the NDP community takes Advent Prayer into their mornings and afternoons in the knowledge that the Living Christ walks among us . . . and students continue in their studies and tend to their Christmas families, growing in confidence as they build on the sturdy foundation of Gospel Justice.
Witness. Service. Sister Cathy Arata. The girls and women of El Salvador and South Sudan. Christmas Families. Justice. At NDP the girls are showing us the way . . . and the season of Advent has begun.
At NDP the community waits together for the event that is already upon us. Fears give way to wisdom. Old hurts melt with the gift of forgiveness. The piercing truth of Christ overcomes doubt, anxiety and anger, and the mystery of the Spirit abides within. There is something special about this place and so in this special time of year NDP takes Advent Prayer into the darkest places and harshest worlds with the wisdom that comes only from God . . . and students move forward in their learning, give voice to those on the margin, and bring healing to a world waiting for hope.
Waiting. Growing. Healing. Abiding. At NDP the girls are showing us the way . . . and the season of Advent is under way.
At NDP the words of the prophet Micah look down on us as we pass through the dining room, calling each of us to do what is right, urging all of us to form solidarity with those who suffer injustice, reminding everyone that compassion, hope and humility will heal the world.
And what does the LORD require of us? At NDP we are called to look for solutions where there is no hope. Act justly. At NDP we are asked to bring mercy to all we say and do. Love tenderly. At NDP we are required to practice servant leadership each day. Walk humbly with your God.
At NDP the girls are waiting and watching, witnessing and learning. At NDP young women and adults teach one another and learn more than they thought possible about the world. At NDP the community waits together for the coming of the Christ child.
At NDP the girls are showing us the way . . . and the promise of Advent is already fulfilled.
