National Tragedy: 27 Dead, Mostly Children at a Connecticut Elementary School

Tragedy struck at an elementary school in Connecticut today. Twenty children had their lives cut short, way too soon, by an unstable gunman. Six adults met the same fate. And the shooter took his own life. My heart breaks for the families. This is an extremely sad day. Our nation is in mourning for the victims and their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to all in that Connecticut community, especially the family and friends of those who lost their lives today.  May God comfort them in their time of need. 

Here is a prayer written by Max Lucado: 

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