Cocoa for Christmas by Alivia Higdon

I have been at New Song for about two months now, and I have enjoyed every part of my position here. Jesus has blessed New Song in many ways, and it’s easy to see that the Lord’s spirit is present with the children and staff. Bob and Lisa are so faithful, it is beyond encouraging to watch their walk with God as well.

I can’t begin to express how precious the students here are. I don’t get the opportunity to be around them all day due to my job duties, but I am grateful to sit in during their morning chapel service. All of them show interest in the Word, and the excitement they show when they can answer one of Bob’s questions is heartwarming, to say the least.

Bella, Ms. Bea, and I had the honor of decorating our campus for Christmas. Bella enjoyed some hot chocolate, while helping us put the tree up, hang decorations and carry a tune! Bella learned she is just a bit too short to put the star on the tree, and so did Bea and me. Despite having issues with the tree topper, we finished decorating within the hour and anticipated the reaction of the boys and other staff members in the morning.

During the holiday season, I believe it’s easy for people to get wrapped up (no pun intended!) in the busyness of gift giving and making everything look “just right”. However, Bob and Lisa do a fantastic job at keeping the ministry’s eyes on the reason we all celebrate this time of the year. Bob is currently teaching the students about the birth of Jesus. In my opinion, it’s essential that we all have the knowledge and continue to remind ourselves of the why for the holidays.

Christmas here at New Song doesn’t look identical each year, but the abundance of love and the Lord’s presence always does. I feel ecstatic to continue growing with New Song, I can’t wait to see where God takes us. I feel blessed to have met the beautiful group of people here, obeying God and worshiping Him. We praise Him for all He has done for the mission, the students, the staff and leadership team. His good works are far from over!