Dec. 2, 2022
Kamehameha Schools has created a series of Hawaiian-focused devotionals for Advent, to honor the deep Christian faith of our founder Princess Pauahi. The devotionals were designed to be used by staffers, students and others to celebrate the coming of Christmas, so please feel free to share them.
Heluhelu Baibala – Scripture reading
No ka mea, ua hānau ʻia mai, he keiki no kākou, no kākou i hāʻawi ia mai ai, he keiki kāne, ma luna o kona poʻohiwi ke aupuni, a e kapa ʻia kona inoa, ʻo Kupaianaha, ʻo Kākāʻōlelo, ʻo Keakuamana, ʻo Kamakuamauloa, ʻo Kealiʻiokamalu. – Isaia 9:6
For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Ka manaʻo o ke KS Hawai‘i Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard KSK’77
During this Advent season, I just love nativity scenes. Especially those that display images of angels praising and singing alleluia to the coming Christ child, our King. Luke 2 retells how one of the angelic beings says to the shepherds in the fields to not be afraid of them and encourages them to visit and worship baby Jesus who would be found in Bethlehem lying in a manger. The angels continue praising in song with, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”
It is this message of peace that Jesus brings to us, lives out for us, and shares with us during and after his earthly ministry. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Christ the ultimate peacemaker meant for all of us to become peacemakers. Through God’s Holy Spirit we can behold the peace of Christ to settle our anxious hearts and minds and share this with those in need. May the Holy Spirit of Christ fill your whole being with peace today, and forevermore.
Ka Manaʻo o ka Keiki Kahu Cheyenne Sato KSH’23
Every Christmas, we hear the same story. Mary was a virgin and was blessed to bear Jesus in her womb. She then gave birth in a stall because the inn was too full. At a young age, I was perplexed and frankly, jealous of this Jesus character. Why was he to be named Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace? Why can’t I be the Princess of Peace or just a princess? Fast forward 14 years and I am here at 17 years old. Observing this story yet again, in a more mature state of mind, this little baby was born for greatness. More importantly, this baby was born for us. Christmas is not so much a time for trees and candy canes but more of a time to rejoice in the birth of our King, Jesus. Our Prince of Peace sacrificed His own life so that we may be set free to honorably serve Him and His will. So, during this season, please keep in mind the true significance of Christmas, and may the peace of Christ be with you, always.
KS Hawai‘i Keiki Kahu Cheyenne Sato KSH’23 and Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard KSK’77 lean on the words of Isaiah to share the true meaning of Christmas.