A Response to Tragedy

God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts to let us know that his own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need.    God’s kingdom belongs to them.
Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else.    God will fully satisfy them. 
Matthew 5:3,6

We are made complete in Christ. If we ever feel empty, or like we are missing something, God is there to fill that space.

We have all heard of the tragedy that happened last week. It is devastating. It doesn't make any sense at all. I am trying to understand "why", but the answers don't come.

This morning on my way to work I was listening to the Christian radio station and they read something that I want to share. It is a prayer by Max Lucado as he responds to the tragic events.

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

I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10

Everything that breathes, praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6