Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
was written by Charles Wesley, well-known as the most prolific and recognized of all the English hymn writers. He was the 18th child born in a family of 19 children. His father worked tirelessly as an Anglican clergyman while his upbringing and education was primarily the responsibility of his mother and later his much older brother. He traveled to America soon after graduating from Oxford. The time of his conversion has prompted much debate, but there was a change in his behavior after his time spent with Moravian missionaries. After his American journey, his life for Christ was lived with much fervency and effectiveness. Facing persecution at home, he birthed a new movement, Methodism, in which he stressed evangelism and personal holiness.
While not all of Wesley’s hymns are in use today, he is credited with the writing of 6,500, causing every hymnbook in print today to contain many of his compositions. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing is one of the most popular hymns during this season. Probing the deep mystery of the incarnation of Christ, he incorporates numerous scriptural phrases and concepts masterfully weaving them together into a rich tapestry. Many scholars consider this hymn one of the best hymns in the English language. Our love for this hymn has affectedly relegated it to the category of a children’s Christmas carol in spite of its majestic truths.
One of the many truths expressed is “God and sinners reconciled”, meant to remind us that as the Creator, God has the authority over His creation and when man “broke the rules”, God already had a plan in place for “the wages of sin.” His son, sinless, ever-present and perfect, paid the price in order that we, a fallen and estranged people, may be restored to our Father.
“The Incarnate Deity” tells us of how counter-cultural our Christian beliefs are to the world. A “babe” in a manger was the Creator, the Prince of Peace, the eternal and first born of all creation, our Savior. In America, we believe that we can do it all, but as Christians we know that apart from God, we can do nothing.
When you sing the hymn again this season, sing it as if for the first time. Explore its meaning. Discuss it around the table and find out how deep the truths expressed in this beloved children’s Christmas carol really are, for in four minutes or less, you will have expressed the whole of the gospel message.
Coram Deo New Family InformationTo help Coram Deo Academy inform potential new families who may wish to enroll for the 2008-09 school year, please invite them to learn about the Academy at an Evening Information Meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3 at the Dallas Campus, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 12727 Hillcrest, (southwest corner of LBJ and Hillcrest Rd.) or at a Campus Visit Day.
Families may attend the Dallas meeting even if interested in enrolling in another CDA location. Reservations may be made by emailing brogers@coramdeoacademy.org or calling the DallasSchool at 972-385-6410.
CDA Founder and Headmaster, Rodney Marshall, along with Robi Marshall, Curriculum Director, will explain the means and meaning of educating "coram deo" (in the presence of God). Beverly McMullin, Director of the DallasSchool, will assist in sharing this vision of classical Christian education.
Campus Visit Days
CDA of Carrollton, 2435 E. Hebron Parkway, will host a Campus Visit Day for prospective families on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.Tours of the academy will provide an opportunity to observe teachers and students in action. School Director Scott Davis will present a brief overview of classical Christian education as implemented at CoramDeoAcademy. To make a reservation, please email carrollton@coramdeoacademy.org or call 972-862-8657.
The following week on Tuesday, Dec. 11, CDA of Flower Mound, 4900 Wichita Trail, will host a Campus Visit Day beginning at 9 a.m. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall will speak and campus administrators will address questions after a campus tour. The program will conclude by 10:30 am. For more information or to make a reservation, please email brogers@coramdeoacademy.org or call the FlowerMoundSchool at 682-237-0232.
Tours of CDA of Dallas will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
CoramDeoAcademy’s mission is to educate youth in a historic Christian worldview through a vigorous classical curriculum. We aim to train ethical leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God. If you know of others who may be interested in learning more about our program, please feel free to pass this information along to them. A complete listing of visitation dates is available at http://www.coramdeoacademy.org/content/pages/visit.php.
Geography Bee
The date for the Geography Bee has been changed to M/T Dec. 10/11
Chick-fil-A Day
Chick-fil-A Day is Monday and Tuesday (Dec 3/4) for those who preordered.
Chick-fil-A and Hot Dog Order Forms
New forms were sent home this week for those who wish to order Chick-fil-A and Hot Dogs for the spring. Don’t forget some of you already ordered for the whole year.
Picture Retake Day
December 4/5 – Tuesday and Wednesday – is retake day for pictures. Pictures were sent home last week. If you would like a retake, please return the packet with the pictures uncut. If you missed picture day or did not order pictures the first day, a picture may be taken on retake day. To fill out the form in advance, please visit the CDA website, pdwyer’s documents, and print the order form. The date will be wrong but the information is the same. There are also order forms in the office.
Basketball and Soccer Games
‘Tis the season for basketball and soccer…If you missed the games this last week, plan to attend one soon. Watching our students play will bring joy and fun to your evening. We have such great kids and coaches. Plan to have your next evening at a CDA event.
A Ton of Tuna
Each of the grades in the Logic School are being adopted by a house in the high school for the Christmas season. The houses are organizing the Ton of Tuna service project for CCA. The House of Homer has already visited with the 5th graders to explain the project. The Houses of Wallace, Lewis and Wright are planning their visits with the other grades this coming week. Large plastic containers are already on the deck and students are encouraged to bring 6 oz cans of tuna (the item requested by CCA) to place in their team's container.
A Ton of Tuna
Each of the grades in the Logic School are being adopted by a house in the high school for the Christmas season. The houses are organizing the Ton of Tuna service project for CCA. The House of Homer has already visited with the 5th graders to explain the project. The Houses of Wallace, Lewis and Wright are planning their visits with the other grades this coming week. Large plastic containers are already on the deck and students are encouraged to bring 6 oz cans of tuna (the item requested by CCA) to place in their team's container.
Check the calendar for upcoming events…Have a great beginning to the Christmas season!