Month: April 2020

Technology in the Classroom: A Look at Google Classroom

Teachers entranced with using the latest and greatest technology in the classroom were excited when tech titan Google announced its latest rollout, Google Classroom.

Designed to help teachers and students alike go (more) paperless and enjoy ease of sharing documents, Google Classroom was rolled out to select educators this week.
In today’s featured article we take a look at Google Classroom and how it might alter the educational landscape.
Learn more about how to use technology in the classroom with Google Classroom >> 

Technology in the Classroom: Ways for Teachers to Connect

21st-century educators can enjoy the spoils of new technology in the classroom to communicate and learn.
From social media to Google docs to Goodreads.com, many good websites (most free) offer teachers easy to opportunities to log in and connect with other educators. 

Today’s article gives an overview of the myriad of ways that teachers can use the Internet to share ideas, give feedback and even discuss the finer points of academia.

Back to School: TeachHUB.com’s Ultimate 5-Week Prep Guide

This week we launched a content-packed feature dedicated to help teachers return back to school by preparing them.
Today, our back to school feature series includes articles on starting a blog, icebreaker activities, a pre-planning checklist, and how to create a helpful bulletin board.
Check back to TeacHUB.com each day during the next five weeks to learn helpful tips and tricks to make the first weeks of school successful!
Get more valuable back to school tips and more >>

How to Write a Classroom Management Philosophy

NOV
22

How to Write a Classroom Management Philosophy

A classroom management plan containing your philosophy is an essential part of every effective teacher’s playbook. To begin formulating a classroom management philosophy, jot down a simple statement that encapsulates what your ideal classroom might look like. Then think about the overall learning atmosphere: What is the role of the students? What is the role of the teacher? How do they work together?
Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox, who is a longtime grade school teacher based on the East Coast, takes a look at how to write your own personal plan. Janelle’s ideas include views on:
  • Managing a Classroom
  • The Teacher’s role
  • The Students’ role

She also includes a sample classroom management plan excerpt: “I believe that all students should be treated fairly, and that it’s better to teach discipline than to impose it. I will do this by having a strict routine and consistently teach my students acceptable behavior.”
 Janelle sums up her article like this: “Once you have answered these questions and the questions that you have come up with yourself, you should have a pretty good idea on your overall classroom management philosophy. Be sure to introduce your statement with your overall viewpoint, and your goal of your classroom management plan. Then follow that with a paragraph about the students’ role, the teacher’s role, and your overall view of managing a classroom. Sum up all your thoughts on how your plan will provide your students with a safe and supportive learning environment, and you have yourself a classroom management philosophy statement. Good luck!”
What your views and beliefs on classroom management? We’d love to hear what you have to say on this topic! Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below the actual article on TeachHUB.com.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

THE FUTURE OF WORK: HOW TALENT MANAGEMENT IS POWERING THE KNOWLEDGE VALUE REVOLUTION

The cultural, technology and generational shifts taking place in today’s workplace highlight how critically important it is that traditional human resources management continue to move not only toward integrating talent management processes, but also the notion of making these processes – and the technology that facilitates them – more employee-centric. These are not necessarily new developments, as smart human resource operations have been redefining themselves in terms of talent management and talent development quite a bit over the past five years. But the future of work itself makes the identification, management and development of talent ever more primary to the success of companies and organizations.

Helping People Work Smarter

The Japanese writer Taichi Sakaiya was perhaps the first to name the economic era into which we have moved the “knowledge value revolution.” His thesis was simple, and is evident all around us now, every day. He proposed that the traditional elements that gave products and services value – the value of the materials and labor that went into the product or service – were shifting toward a single dominant element. That element is the value of the knowledge contained in a product or service. The best way to understand the idea is to consider the smartphone in your pocket or purse. You chose that phone most likely because you believed that it was made by smarter people using smarter processes, and that the particular smartphone enables you to access knowledge more easily thus making you smarter. You may even believe that just owning that specific phone makes you look smarter when you use it. All of this adds up to “knowledge value.”
What does this mean for human resources? The ability of a company, organization or employee to succeed depends on their ability to acquire new knowledge on a continuous basis and apply that knowledge in an effective way. This insight demands that we think differently about talent management and talent management software. MTV’s “No Collar Worker” survey reveals, for example, that 89 percent of Millennial employees – who will comprise 75 percent of all employees by 2025 – think that it is important to be constantly learning at their job. Some of this learning may look rather traditional, involving classroom training and education. But I expect this style of company education to continue to become a declining percentage of organizational learning as talent management software and tools enable learning to become more social, collaborative and on-demand. Embedding collaboration into corporate learning so that employees seamlessly learn while working and work while learning is as fundamental to the future than ever before, and now possible in ways that were not available until recently.

Beyond a Separate Class of Employees

The concepts of continuous or on-demand learning are critical to the future of work, and obviously the smart application of talent management software can make the difference in meeting this need. We often refer to “knowledge workers” as though they are a separate class of employees, but what I am saying is that all work is becoming knowledge intensive. Thus future tools must provide real-time communication, quick and easy access to information on multiple devices from anywhere anytime, better collaboration through knowledge of who is available and where they are, and access to instant learning in small bites as the need arises.
Let’s play with some possibilities. The Cornerstone’s “The State of Workplace Productivity Report” notes that 58 percent of employees would be willing to use wearable technology if it helps them do their job. Imagine a bartender wearing augmented reality glasses, needing to learn a new drink recipe as an order is placed, and being able to do that simply by repeating the customer’s order out loud. Or imagine a repair technician in an auto shop or on the factory floor needing instant training on a new problem they have not faced personally before. Or imagine a lawyer wanting to brush up on case law or negotiation technique as they walk to a meeting. These kinds of scenarios are applicable to just about any job we can think of. Companies that combine access to learning software tools, cloud databases and access to the wider Internet – and that develop a culture of continuous learning – will gain an advantage in the development of their human talent.
The MTV survey also reveals that 80 percent of Millennials want regular feedback from their supervisors, 89 percent want their workplace to be social and fun, 50 percent would rather have no job than a job they hate, and that 50 percent also believe that “switching jobs helps you climb the corporate ladder faster.” Once again, smart talent management programs and software can contribute to meeting these needs of the future workforce. Providing a way to receive more regular feedback is a no-brainer. Using gamification to make the workplace more social, and also as a means of speeding up learning, should be a priority. As for creating jobs that people do not hate, enabling people to move between jobs (also referred to as talent mobility) is one proven strategy for helping with that. Continuous and on-demand learning systems will enable people to switch jobs more seamlessly without a massive drop off in knowledge and skills.
We live in a time when talent management tools, the nature of work, and the needs and desires of the future workforce are all converging in a way that enable us to reimagine the ways we hire, train, manage and engage employees. Those that take advantage of this convergence will win the future.

Classroom Management: Developing Clear Rules, Expectations

A lack of set rules and expectations can bring about a chaotic class. Indeed, without adhered-to guidelines, the learning environment can bring about loads of inappropriate behaviors.
But how does an educator develop and carry out a series of rules and expectations? Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Jordan Catapano, himself a seasoned English teacher in the Chicago suburbs, explains how to use classroom management to create an atmosphere “Where students’ relational and academic behaviors are oriented in a manner most likely to ensure learning happens.”
One section of today’s centerpiece article contains a list of consequences for when rules and expectations aren’t adhered to. These consequences include:
  • ·      Verbal warning.
  • ·      A “Time Out” or isolation.
  • ·      Loss of privilege.
  • ·      Referral to an administrator (which the student may receive additional consequences).
  • ·      And More!

Jordan sums up his article thusly: “Whatever the extent students play a role in establishing the classroom rules and expectations, make sure that you leave room for establishing policies for yourself as well. When teachers invite input and feedback regarding their own manner of conduct, this helps students feel like they have more ownership and control over their learning and additional helps teachers better model how one abides by a set of expectations.”
How do you ensure that your classroom is a place that maximizes learning and reinforces positive behaviors?
Get our tips on using classroom management to develop rules, expectations>>
17 Topics to Teach K-8 About Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is a hot topic in educational circles these days. And with the plethora of technological devices making knowledge attainable just about anywhere, it’s important to teach kids responsibility, including digical citizenship.
We recently posted an article by frequent TeachHUB.com contributor Jacqui Murray (herself a technology teacher) on how educators should promote responsible digital life. In it, Jacqui notes that teachers should frequently address:
•    Cyberbullying
•    Digital Commerce
•    Passwords
•    And More!
Jacqui notes that teachers shouldn’t fret about addressing these topics – we’ve instructed kids about general safety since the dawn of time. These rules are merely variations on the overall theme of safety and how they apply to this day and age.
Jacqui encapsulates her article in one apropos paragraph: “One of my favorites of all the above, is “digital rights and responsibilities.” With great virtual wealth comes obligations. You can’t have one without the other. It’s never too early to start that conversation.”
How do you teach digital citizenship in your school?

5 Reasons Summer Is Overrated for Teachers

Sure, the months of June, July, and August are three big reasons why the teaching profession is so rewarding and worthwhile (there are plenty of other reasons, of course).
But recently on TeachHUB.com, we took a contrarian view of that mindset and determined that there are several detrimental reasons that can lead some in the teaching field to believe that summer is overrated. A sampling of reasons:
The Second Jobs – To make ends meet, many teachers take up summer school teaching positions or even civilian-grade jobs during the summer.
The Brain Dump – Honestly, kids shut off the brains during the summer, which makes the first few weeks (or even months) a time of rehashing what they should have remembered.
And More!
In summation, we conclude: “Summer vacation is a great perk, no doubt about it. But like so many other jobs and so many other perks … it isn’t all just a trip to the beach.”
Where do you weigh in on this summer break debate? Share with us!
Get our reasons on why summer is overrated>>
Teaching Strategies: 10 Things Successful Educators Do
Have you ever asked yourself what makes a successful teacher? What teaching strategies does a great educator employ?
Today we examine 10 habits of highly effective teachers. From having a lively sense of humor to taking risks and being consistent, these are traits that all good educators exemplify.
Learn more about effective teaching strategies that successful teachers use >>
Download TeachHUB Magazine for FREE Today!
In a recent issue of TeachHUB magazine, we discusssed some GREAT gift ideas for your teaching colleagues for under $5 – but our ideas are NOT the typical coffee mug fare.
Likewise, we take a look at three smart boards you may want to incorporate into your classroom, and offer up some tasty holiday treats guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of your guests.
Did you know TeachHUB magazine is FREE? It is, and it’s a wonderful resource designed to help you become a better educator.

Teaching Strategies to Learn this Summer, Use Next Year

As the (hopefully) relaxing summer rolls on, filled with inspiring live music and idyllic backyard picnics, we hope you’re also immersing yourself in some teaching strategies to use next year.

If you’re not learning new teaching strategies to use next year, we’re here to help! Frequent TeachHUB.com (and TeachHUB Magazine) contributing writer Jacqui Murray, who is an established tech teacher based in Northern California, today looks at a variety of tech-centered teaching strategies to use next year , including:

  • Don’t Be Afraid to Fail in Front of Students
  • Annotate a PDF
  • Submit Homework Digitally
  • Know Where Files are Saved
  • And More!


Jacqui sums up her article with this charge: “Does it sound like a lot to do? Print this list out; post it by your computer. Any chance you get to retrain your habits, take it. You’ll be surprised how easy it is.”
Get our teaching strategies on what to learn this summer and then implement>>

Classroom Games, Activities to Make Test Prep Meaningful
As reliable as Christmas and the 4th of July, this time of year – standardized test season – is upon us, and all the things that come along with it, including the mind-numbing classroom activity known as test preparation.
But with a little forethought, creative teachers can employ some fun tactics to liven up the dreaded season of test prep. Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox, herself a seasoned educator, spells out some classroom games and classroom activities teachers can use to bring a smile to the face of a test-weary kid. Her classroom games and ideas include:
•  Jeopardy!
•  Sink or Swim
•  And More!
Janelle also lays out some classroom activities that teachers can use to inject some brevity into the long test prep days. Her suggested classroom activities include:
•  Have Students Create Their Own Quiz
•  Use a Classroom Response System
•  And More!
Remember, it IS possible to have fun while preparing for those stressful standardized tests. But the onus falls on the teacher to figure out how to do it! Relax, educators, we’ve got you covered with some original classroom games and classroom activities.
How do you make test prep more meaningful, engaging, and fun in your classroom? Do you have any tips or games that work especially well for your students?

    Classroom Activities: How to Hold a Classroom Debate

    Critical thinking skills are something that all teachers are trying to induce in their students. One of the best ways to bring about the use of critical thinking skills is by holding a classroom debate. Classroom activities like debates also get kids interacting and communicating.

    But how do you get started with like classroom activities debates? Today’s centerpiece article on TeachHUB.com instructs you on how to do just that. Penned by Janelle Cox, herself a seasoned educator based in Upstate New York, the article instructs you on:

    • How to Prepare
    • Grading a Debate
    • Classroom Format
    • And More!


    Do you hold classroom debates? What format is your favorite to use? Please share your thoughts!

    Get our tips on classroom activities like debates>>

    Classroom Activities: Learning with Audio Books
    If you’re looking for a way to boost your students’ reading skills, a terrific way to go about doing that is through using audio books as classroom activities.
    Once known as books on tape (or even books on CD), audio books can improve kids’ reading comprehension as well as fluency. By having kids read along with an audio book, they connect words with the sounds they are hearing.
    Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox, herself a seasoned teacher, takes a look at ways to use (and obtain!) audio books in the classroom.
    Her teaching strategies for integrating audio books into your classroom include:
    •    Use Audio Books to Develop Skills
    •    Make Audio Books a Part of Your Classroom
    •    And More!
    All in all, Janelle notes that audio books can really make a difference with struggling readers, and can help them discover the magic of literature.
    Do you use audio books in your classroom? What are some ways that you use them?

    THE FUTURE OF WORK: HOW TALENT MANAGEMENT IS POWERING THE KNOWLEDGE VALUE REVOLUTION

    The cultural, technology and generational shifts taking place in today’s workplace highlight how critically important it is that traditional human resources management continue to move not only toward integrating talent management processes, but also the notion of making these processes – and the technology that facilitates them – more employee-centric. These are not necessarily new developments, as smart human resource operations have been redefining themselves in terms of talent management and talent development quite a bit over the past five years. But the future of work itself makes the identification, management and development of talent ever more primary to the success of companies and organizations.

    Helping People Work Smarter

    The Japanese writer Taichi Sakaiya was perhaps the first to name the economic era into which we have moved the “knowledge value revolution.” His thesis was simple, and is evident all around us now, every day. He proposed that the traditional elements that gave products and services value – the value of the materials and labor that went into the product or service – were shifting toward a single dominant element. That element is the value of the knowledge contained in a product or service. The best way to understand the idea is to consider the smartphone in your pocket or purse. You chose that phone most likely because you believed that it was made by smarter people using smarter processes, and that the particular smartphone enables you to access knowledge more easily thus making you smarter. You may even believe that just owning that specific phone makes you look smarter when you use it. All of this adds up to “knowledge value.”
    What does this mean for human resources? The ability of a company, organization or employee to succeed depends on their ability to acquire new knowledge on a continuous basis and apply that knowledge in an effective way. This insight demands that we think differently about talent management and talent management software. MTV’s “No Collar Worker” survey reveals, for example, that 89 percent of Millennial employees – who will comprise 75 percent of all employees by 2025 – think that it is important to be constantly learning at their job. Some of this learning may look rather traditional, involving classroom training and education. But I expect this style of company education to continue to become a declining percentage of organizational learning as talent management software and tools enable learning to become more social, collaborative and on-demand. Embedding collaboration into corporate learning so that employees seamlessly learn while working and work while learning is as fundamental to the future than ever before, and now possible in ways that were not available until recently.

    Beyond a Separate Class of Employees

    The concepts of continuous or on-demand learning are critical to the future of work, and obviously the smart application of talent management software can make the difference in meeting this need. We often refer to “knowledge workers” as though they are a separate class of employees, but what I am saying is that all work is becoming knowledge intensive. Thus future tools must provide real-time communication, quick and easy access to information on multiple devices from anywhere anytime, better collaboration through knowledge of who is available and where they are, and access to instant learning in small bites as the need arises.
    Let’s play with some possibilities. The Cornerstone’s “The State of Workplace Productivity Report” notes that 58 percent of employees would be willing to use wearable technology if it helps them do their job. Imagine a bartender wearing augmented reality glasses, needing to learn a new drink recipe as an order is placed, and being able to do that simply by repeating the customer’s order out loud. Or imagine a repair technician in an auto shop or on the factory floor needing instant training on a new problem they have not faced personally before. Or imagine a lawyer wanting to brush up on case law or negotiation technique as they walk to a meeting. These kinds of scenarios are applicable to just about any job we can think of. Companies that combine access to learning software tools, cloud databases and access to the wider Internet – and that develop a culture of continuous learning – will gain an advantage in the development of their human talent.
    The MTV survey also reveals that 80 percent of Millennials want regular feedback from their supervisors, 89 percent want their workplace to be social and fun, 50 percent would rather have no job than a job they hate, and that 50 percent also believe that “switching jobs helps you climb the corporate ladder faster.” Once again, smart talent management programs and software can contribute to meeting these needs of the future workforce. Providing a way to receive more regular feedback is a no-brainer. Using gamification to make the workplace more social, and also as a means of speeding up learning, should be a priority. As for creating jobs that people do not hate, enabling people to move between jobs (also referred to as talent mobility) is one proven strategy for helping with that. Continuous and on-demand learning systems will enable people to switch jobs more seamlessly without a massive drop off in knowledge and skills.
    We live in a time when talent management tools, the nature of work, and the needs and desires of the future workforce are all converging in a way that enable us to reimagine the ways we hire, train, manage and engage employees. Those that take advantage of this convergence will win the future.
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

    Technology in the Classroom: Students Are Not Experts

    Although teachers often think that their students are much more technologically proficient than they are, that’s usually a false premise. In fact, most students just know enough technology to get by – they don’t know enough about it to really thrive.
    Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributor Jordan Catapano compares student survivors versus student thrivers with regards to technology. Survivors know just enough to get by; thrivers really use the available technologies to accomplish significant goals, and to impact others in the process.
    When it comes to technology, Jordan notes what teachers can expect when students use technology:
    We need to become thrivers ourselves.
    We can learn from students.
    We can help students learn and adapt quickly.
    Read more about using technology in the classroom>>
    How to Stay Motivated as a Teacher
    The role of a teacher now includes the teacher being a mother, nurse and coach, roles for which many teachers have had little instruction. So it’s no secret that teachers are burning out more than ever before.
    With a little bit of encouragement, however, some teachers are learning how to stay motivated and productive throughout the course of their careers.
    Today, TeachHUB.com writer Janelle Cox takes a look at some various ways that educators can learn how to stay motivated, including:
    •  Value Each and Every Teacher
    •  Give Teachers a Voice
    •  Consider Teachers’ Needs
    Learn How to Stay Motivated as the Year Goes On >>
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

    Effective Strategies for Improving Teacher Morale

    Attention school administrators! Today we are helping you out on TeachHUB.com! Our centerpiece article today looks at how school administrators can improve teacher morale at their schools.
    Written by Janelle Cox, a veteran elementary school educator based in Upstate New York, the article mentions several ways that administrators can include teacher morale, including:
    • Inspire Teachers to Work Together
    • Value Teachers’ Opinions
    • Arrange Team-Building Activities
    • And More!

    Janelle sums up today’s article like this: “Administrators need to remember that the teachers’ working conditions are the students’ learning conditions. Maintaining a positive school environment where all teachers feel valued will create a happier work place for the teachers, as well as a place where the students feel valued and supported, as well.”
    How do you boost teacher morale? Please share your tips and thoughts on this topic in the comment section, we would love to hear what you have to say.  
    Get our methods for improving teacher morale at your school>>
     Subscribe to the TeachHUB.com Newsletter
    Each week, we send out an e-newsletter featuring the best articles and ideas from teachHUB.com. It’s the perfect way for you to keep up with what’s new each and every week – and it’s delivered straight to your inbox!
    The TeachHUB.com newsletter also offers up an array of new lesson plans each week, and we spotlight the hottest trending articles from our website as well!
    Subscribe to the TeachHUB.com newsletter >>
    10 Celebrities Who Were in the Teaching Profession 
    In one of our most entertaining (haha) posts in some time on TeachHUB.com, today we took a look at some celebrities that have spent time in the teaching profession. Penned by Jordan Catapano, a seasoned high school English teacher in the Chicago suburbs, the article mentions:
    •  Gene Simmons
    • Andy Griffith
    • Sting
    • Hugh Jackman
    • And more!
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

    Fun, Effective Classroom Games for all GradesFun, Effective Classroom Games for all Grades

    It’s a well-established fact that classroom games are very effective in teaching kids a variety of skills.
    “Play to learn” is an axiom that many teachers have heard throughout the years, and today, frequent TeachHUB.com contributor Janelle Cox outlines several classroom games that can me altered for students of all ages, including:
    • Spot It Fast
    • Life-Size Tic Tac Toe
    • Without a Word
    • And More!

    Janelle instructs educators to roll out some classroom games once a week, noting that by doing so, teachers will be engaging and motivating their students.
    Do you have any fun learning games that your students love?
    Get our guide to classroom games for all ages of students>>
    Creative Literature Projects Students Love
    Regardless of whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, sometimes it’s hard to get students engaged in classic literature. Let’s face it: “The Great Gatsby” simply isn’t great to everyone: Some students will inevitably find the text boring and outdated.
    So how does a good English teacher get kids engaged with a book like “The Catcher in the Rye”?
    We recently listed out some time-honored tips for engaging kids with classic texts, including:
    • Throw a “Great Gatsby” party
    • Make a “Fahreneit 451” mug shot gallery
    • Have students make “Romeo and Juliet”-type masks to attend a Capulet party
    • And more!

    What do you do to put an extra twist to your assignments and lesson plans?
    Get our ideas for engaging kids with classic texts>>
    Use TeachHUB.com’s In-Service Professional Development Speakers
    For your school or district’s next in-service day, why not use our deep pool of resources to enhance your faculty’s knowledge base?
    Our bullpen of speakers is ready and able to address a variety of topics, including:
    Singapore Math
    Special Education
    Bully Prevention
    And More!
    Best of all, our turnkey solutions are designed to fit any budget!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

    Teaching Strategies for Disrupted Lesson Plans

    Disruptions are a regular part of a teacher’s day, as is recovery from them. Whether it’s an ill-timed fire drill, or an unexpected guest at the classroom door, educators need to have an array of teaching strategies at the ready to keep students engaged in a post-distraction timeframe.
    Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox, who is a seasoned elementary school educator based in Upstate New York, looks at some teaching strategies that you can use when your carefully crafted lesson plan is disrupted or goes awry.
    Janelle’s ideas include teaching strategies for when a lesson is interrupted by:
    • A Fire Drill
    • A Person
    • Finishing Early

    Janelle sums up her article thusly: “In order to save a disruptive or derailed lesson plan, you must plan ahead for every unforeseen scenario. Keeping clipboards with worksheets by the doorway for fire drill days, creating a Top 10 board for early finishers or when your lesson plan ends early, and having a variety of games and activities ready to go when you are in a pinch can be a lifesaver. Always have a backup plan and remember not to overreact — then you will be able to get through anything that comes your way.”
    What are your teaching strategies for when your lesson plans get disrupted? Please share your tips and ideas in the comment section of the actual article on TeachHUB.com, we’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this topic.
    Get our time-tested teaching strategies you can use when your lesson plan is disrupted or goes awry>>
    Download TeachHUB Magazine for FREE Today!
    In this month’s issue of TeachHUB magazine, we instruct readers on how to use YouTube in the classroom productively, and feature a helpful organization called Marchbook Learning.
    Did you know TeachHUB magazine is FREE? It is, and it’s a terrific resource designed to h
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

    Holy Week and Easter in the time of pandemic

    Last April, Holy Week and Easter were marred by the fire in the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and by terrorist attacks upon churches in Sri Lanka. This month, Holy Week and Easter seem overshadowed by the COVIN-19 pandemic. Good stewardship of our own health, and love for our neighbors prompting concern for their health, keeps most Christians from gathering for services during these very special days. Neither violence nor disease can mar or overshadow the meaning of these days. Christ has redeemed us from sin and death. Christ has rescued us from all evil. Christ has risen from the dead; he lives and reigns to all eternity.

    Sin resembles a communicable disease. It spreads throughout the world, and none of us are immune from its infection. Sin separates us from one another. Sin builds barriers that keep us from loving each other as we should love. Sin isolates us. Sin even separates us from the God who created us. The wages of sin is death, and this death comes in a variety of forms, each of which is a separation. Separation from God is spiritual death. The soul’s separation from the body is physical death. Combined, they result in eternal death. Every sinful separation is a kind of death. Sin can separate members of families. Sin can sever friendships. Because of sin, each of us is divided internally; none of us is in touch with the holy person God meant us to be.

    Jesus, the Son of God, came into this wilderness of sin and death. Like a shepherd, Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost. In the wilderness he battled the devil, overcoming Satan’s temptations. In all his days, Jesus led a sinless life, obeying all his Father’s commands, fulfilling perfect righteousness. Jesus then faced the ugliness of sin and death in their fullness. He was betrayed, denied, accused, convicted, mocked, tortured, and killed. He deserved none of these things. Because evil is unfair, good people suffer in this world. Because evil is unfair, the one perfect Person suffered and died. Because evil is unfair, God himself became unfair, granting us the rewards earned by his Son’s righteousness and placing the burden of our guilt upon Him.

    Good stewardship of our health and love for our neighbors will keep us in our homes this Good Friday and this Easter. We still live in a sin-polluted world, a world infected by evil and the separations evil causes. But our isolation is not permanent. Many Christians enjoy the benefit of Internet services, which allow us to join our voices in worship even though we are physically apart. All Christians have access to the Word of God, which proclaims his love and mercy and assures us of our place in his kingdom. All of us are guaranteed the love of God, which we will know in its fullness in the new creation, but which we enjoy already today. We know that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. J.