Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18
My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday, I went to CNN’s website to check the stock market, yet I never made it to the stocks after reading the headline: The Slaughter of Children. The murder of more than 130 children makes all my wishes for a good return on my investments seem rather petty. Since reading the article and watching news stories, I can only describe my reaction as a combination of shock and denial. It is similar to my reaction after the Sandy Hook tragedy. These are normal feelings, a part of grief and sadness in the face of unspeakable and unexplainable evil. I echo the words of the Prophet Jeremiah when he speaks of his joy being gone, and I ask the same questions he will go on to ask: “For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?” Darkness falls upon us and upon the world, yet we claim again that the darkness could not overcome the light. It sure may appear that darkness has won, but my faith looks into the deep darkness and sees what my eyes may not be able to see through the grief and heartache… a child being born.
Prayer: Today, Lord, I grieve for my sisters and brothers who have experienced great loss. I pray for comfort and strength as they attempt to make their way in the darkness of grief. May my voice and witness continue to speak of light and life, hope and joy, in the face of such tragedies. Come, Lord Jesus! Come! Amen.
TONIGHT
Children’s Christmas Program
In the Forum
at
6:30pm
Peace…
