Hope in the Midst of Sorrows

Last Friday, I spent the day at my husband’s school where he teaches fourth grade. His students performed a Christmas program they’d been practicing for to the joy of a room full of parents, grandparents, family, and friends. I love going in to visit his classroom several times each year to meet his kids, especially on a day like that.

We were back in the classroom (the performance was in the school commons) when the principal announced over the PA system for teachers to check their e-mail. That’s how we learned about the tragedy that just occurred in the Connecticut school.

At times like this, there are no words that are adequate to express the heartfelt emotions that surface. But then come the questions…who? And…how? And…why?

If you are struggling with questions like this, I wanted to share some thoughts with you to offer hope and comfort.

First of all, God is real. His Son, Jesus, is real. And Jesus was known in the Bible as a Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died. Jesus weeps when a tragedy like this happens. He cares about each one of us and He cares about these precious hearts that are broken. Jesus is here with open arms to welcome each one of us and hold us and comfort us and give us hope.

Secondly, some people are asking “Where was God at this Connecticut school? Why didn’t He stop this?” Yesterday at church, our pastor addressed this question. You see, recently, it was in the news that atheist activists threatened a public school that was getting ready to watch “The Charlie Brown Christmas” play because it tells the story of how Jesus was born in Bethlehem as quoted in the Bible in the book of Luke. So the kids never watched the play.

Sadly, here in America, the public school system has removed God from its classrooms. God is no longer welcome to be at our schools. You can’t post the 10 Commandments on a classroom wall. In many schools, kids can’t pray. They can’t quote Scripture in speeches. In public schools, you can’t tell the accurate historical significance of what Christmas is really all about without being afraid of getting sued by places such as atheist groups either local or nationwide. And God is a gentleman. He doesn’t force Himself into places people tell Him to get out.

Where was God on the morning of the Connecticut school tragedy? He had been expelled from school.

Don’t expel God from your life. This year and this Christmas, invite Jesus to be your Savior. He loves you very much and He wants to help you and give your life meaning. Pray and ask Him to be the Lord of your life.

If you’re not sure what to pray, just send me a private e-mail at jeffandnancys@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to guide you on your journey. It will be the best Christmas present you could ever have! You’ll discover a life worth living. A life that can have hope even in the midst of a tragedy such as this.