Coping

Everyone I know is coping with the Sandy Hook tragedy differently.   Some want to keep the televisions and radio off, some want to talk, to vent about why, why, why, some want to read every article, every Facebook page and get to know the children, the teachers, the parents, and some want to take it to God and pray for each of those families individually, not just today but every day for the weeks and months to come so that they are not forgotten.  I find myself doing all of these things depending on the moment of the day. 

There were two incidents today that brought me some perspective.  The first is a prayer written by Max Lucado that I heard on the radio this morning that reminds us that Jesus was born into a dark world to be the light, and the second was a tribute I watched on The Voice that was just sweet and lovely.  I wanted to share them with you in case you just needed something else to help you cope.  

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

 Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children