Director explains Shakespeare choice
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Editor,
As we enter the Christmas season, the Mission Valley Christian Academy will present their annual dinner theater production on Dec. 12, 13 and 14. This year’s drama will be Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
As Director of Mission Valley Christian Academy, I’ve had several people ask why this tragedy was chosen and how this would reflect on our mission as a Christian school. Here are some reasons why we chose to present this classical tragedy story.
First of all, Romeo and Juliet is a story of two children who were neglected and manipulated by callous and heartless adults. The issues of selfishness, holding grudges and lack of forgiveness are areas we try to address with students every day. Jesus is the ultimate example for us all to follow for love, compassion and care for one another.
Second, we believe that “young love” is an incredibly powerful force and we would be foolish to deny this exists in our students. There is wisdom in preparing young people for this eventuality and we believe without Christ’s redemptive example of selfless love, sensual love can be truly empty and void of meaning.
Thirdly, this is a great lesson on choosing friends and those who speak into our lives. Those who surround you say a great deal about who you are as a person. We don’t always get to choose our circumstances, but we can choose our attitudes and those who influence us.
Lastly, we can address tragedies in our everyday lives and know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Following Jesus doesn’t eliminate suffering or pain. Paul talks about this in Philippians 3 when he wants to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. Our hope is that God chose to come as a baby in a manger to share in all that we experience, joyful or tragic. Emmanuel: God with us.
It is our prayer that this Christmas season is a joyous celebration for you and your family. May God richly bless you.
Chris Bumgarner
Polson
