A steady and proportionally balanced growth is usually a very good sign. It testifies that a child is healthy or that an institution’s foundations and operational principles are sound. The same applies to wisdom, character, church, and Christian faith. Therefore, growth is one of the key words of our Lutheran Academy mission statement: In Truth and Love to Grow in Christ in Every Way. This is also our New Year’s wish: May we all grow in Christ in every way, especially in His love and truth!

The growth of our school was the main theme of Christmas party organized by our high school students on December 8, 2022. As witnesses of God’s grace, interviews with Bohdan Hroboň, Adrian Kacian, and Jozef Sopoliga were integrated into the student drama skit about the school’s history for parents, students, and visitors. The school band sang, students performed dances, and the party ended with a reception. Such a great night, when students, parents and teachers were united and reminded of God’s greatness – the fundamental force behind our growth!

Reading these words of Isaiah, we think first and foremost of the people in Ukraine who are experiencing darkness of all kinds. Daily blackouts caused by Russian terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure are visible demonstrations of the darkness in minds and hearts of Kremlin establishment. Yet, all these and other blackouts will be ultimately defeated because Jesus, the light from above, has come. He, the true light, is shining in the darkness and the darkness does not have the capacity to overcome it (John 1:5). This is the core of the Christmas message that brings hope to all of us who fight the darkness. Our battle is not in vain, because God is with us and He will be victorious!

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing”

This opening line comes from Martin Luther’s famous hymn that we sing every year on October 31^st at worship services commemorating the Reformation. Based on Psalm 46, this hymn express clearly that we can rely on God and His help no matter how overwhelming our troubles might be. These words of encouragement are so important for all of us right now. The present Russian massive bombing of Ukraine, mainly civilian and infrastructure targets, cause fear along with an energy crisis in Ukraine and Europe as well. However, with the words of Psalm 46 words in our hearts, we will never get paralyzed by fear as we work together towards the victory of justice on this earth.