I was going to start blogging about the purpose of suffering. But I can't start that right now. Friday, Dec. 14th was my sister's birthday. It was also a day of such tragedy that I can't wrap my head around it.
People are angry at God. Why? Because He didn't prevent it? Because He didn't stop it? Where the heck was He?
I wonder why God didn't stop it, too. But I have to ask all the people who are angry; do you also praise Him all the other days when this kind of thing DOESN'T happen? I am not unfeeling. It hit me hard yesterday at church during the children's message when I thought there are churches in Connecticut where there are children missing from the children's sermons and Sunday schools and Christmas pageants. I started weeping. I'm still weeping. But really, let's be honest. We blame God for the bad things, yet we don't thank Him when things go along as they should. I include myself in this.
How do we now celebrate Christmas? A friend mentioned that in the midst of political unrest and turmoil, Jesus entered in. Another friend said this holiday is so far removed from what Jesus did, she can't celebrate it, no matter what else is happening in the world.
All I'm trying to say is that even though we are in turmoil and unrest, Jesus can and does enter in. I know this holiday has morphed into something so far away from Emmanuel, God with us ... but I need to have some time to remember that Jesus left His throne and became one of us. This is something I can't fathom. I can understand the crucifixion, Jesus's sacrifice - that's a total God thing in my mind. But Jesus becoming human is something I will never grasp and fully appreciate in this world. This is why I think soooo many people celebrate Christmas. Even unbelievers. There's something about Emmanuel that touches the soul and we can't help but do *something* even if that something has nothing to do with His birth.
So, I join in with millions who are praying for Sandy Hook, CT. I'm praying for all teachers, aides, cafeteria workers, librarians, school nurses, secretaries, volunteers and administrators today. They have a hard job and they need wisdom and compassion, especially this week.
I pray the rest of your Advent season – the days before we celebrate Christ's birth – are blessed with the knowledge and joy that Jesus DID come to us and He is still with us; Emmanuel. And He is coming again.
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