The history and location of Charis Christian School and the meaning of the word ‘Charis’.
Established in 1997, Charis Christian School was one of the first private schools in the northern suburbs of Pretoria. The school is situated 400 meters from the corner of Sefako Makgatho (previously Zambesi) drive and Lavender (Old Warmbaths/R101) road. The school serves families with quality education and a gracious inner-strength for 22 years.
After 1994 the northern communities around Doornpoort experienced rapid residential development for young families. It didn’t take long for members and friends from the Christian community to express the desire for alternative quality Christian education for their children in the area. In 1997 this close-knit Christian community established Charis Christian School with the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) as curriculum of choice.
For over two decades the school exhibits their motto: Founded on the Rock. The school principal, Mrs. Susan Briel has been the principal since the founding years. She is supported by the School Council and a team of passionate personnel and a well-established administrative system.
Parents and learners are regarded as part of the Charis family with individual and personal attention to learners as one of the core characteristics of the school. The school serves families from the N1 to the suburbs around Wonderpark Shopping Centre, Akasia.
The meaning of the word ‘Charis’
‘Charis’ is a Greek word khar’-ece (χάρις) meaning ‘Grace’ as in the manner or action of ‘graciousness’. The origin of this word is founded on the word ‘Chairo’ which means ‘to be cheerful, happy’1.
In the King James Version2, except for the word ‘grace’ these other words were also used in translation: Acceptable; benefit; favour; gift; gracious; joy; pleasure; thank(s) and thankworthy.
Here’s a summary of the meaning from The Thayers definition:
Grace – that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness as in the grace of speech;
Ephesians 4:29 – NAS – Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Good will, loving-kindness, favour – the merciful kindness of God that keeps, strengthens, increases Christian faith, knowledge, affection and kindles the exercise of the Christian virtues”;
James 4:6 – NAS – But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
2 Timothy 1:9 – NAS – who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
Hebrews 4:16 – NAS – Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need
What is due to grace – (a) the spiritual condition governed by the power of divine grace;
Romans 5:2 – NAS – through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
(b) the token or proof of grace as a gift or benefit;
2 Corinthians 9:8 – NAS – And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
1 Peter 5:10 – NAS – After you have suffered for a little while the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Thanks, thanksgiving, to be thankful – for benefits, services, favours, recompense, reward;
1 Timothy 1:12 – NAS – I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
2 Timothy 1:3 – NAS – I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember * you in my prayers night and day,
Philemon 1:7 – NAS – For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
