Then Sandy Hook happened.
Suddenly a blog devoted to caroling seems trivial.
Instead, I can't stop thinking about those families. The families who lost children. The other families whose children saw things children should never see. The families of the teachers. The family of the principal. The family of the shooter - whose mother was also a victim - and who must also be devastated by his actions today.
Christmas 2012 is going to be hard for them.
In fact, every Christmas from now on will be hard for them.
So I'm praying for them.
Jesus, let the people of Newton find comfort in each other and in the compassion of caring people from around the world. Welcome the innocent children to your holy presence. As their neighbors and families cry, let them have friends to hold them, sit with them, dry their tears and cry with them. Wonderful Counselor, be their comfort in this time of deep darkness.
Be with the surviving children, as they sleep tonight, and keep the nightmares away. As they wake tomorrow, give them the courage to get up, go out, and begin putting their lives back together. Be with the teachers as they grieve for the lost. Give them the strength to face their fears. In January, fill students and teachers with the courage they will need to go back to school. Be with the parents, as they help their children process the unthinkable. Be with the parents as they face their own fears each time they leave for work or send their children to school.
Lord, none of this makes sense to any of us. It's so awful. We are all sad, angry, scared, and confused. Let us not cause more harm as we try to sort this out. Draw us to you. Guide us. Comfort us. Be with us. Be with Newton. Bring them comfort and, eventually, bring their joy back. And please, Lord, keep our children safe.
Amen.
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| 1943-Norman Rockwell - "Freedom from Fear" |
