In this verse, Jesus teaches his
disciples about a child’s worth. Even in the Middle East today, we see that
women and children are of lesser value in the eyes of men. Yet, Jesus admonished
his disciples to bring the children to him. He elevated children publically
to their rightful place of value. Children illustrate the innocence and rebirth
we experienced when we became followers of Christ.
Do you think Jesus grieves when
we grieve? He did during his life on this earth. John 11:35 says, “Jesus
wept.” Jesus knew he would raise his dear friend Lazarus from death, yet he
felt grief and separation in that moment.
Christmas is certainly not the
same this year in our world of violence and despair. I encourage you not to let
it overtake you. Cling to the Savior and His promise to return one
day to establish His perfect Kingdom—one without violence, hunger, broken homes,
death, or despair. Look up into the dark, starry sky and think about the light
that entered your heart when you accepted Him as savior. Celebrate the innocence
of the baby Jesus as we remember those He gathered into his arms last Friday. Let
us continue to pray for the families of these precious children and the six
teachers who lost their lives last Friday in Newtown, CT. I encourage you also
to pray for the killer’s family as they grieve.
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| Sandy Hook Elementary School victims |
Be
near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender
care,
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.
If you’re grieving this
Christmas, I’d love to pray for you. Please contact me via e-mail or leave a
prayer request in the comments below so others can pray, as well.
One activity spreading through
social media right now is Ann Curry’s 26 Acts of Kindness in remembrance of
those killed. Not only is it a great way to help combat personal depression and
hopelessness so many feel right now, it’s a tangible way to get involved and
spread Christ’s love while honoring those who died. Perhaps you’d consider
sending a Christmas card to Sgt. Jesse McCart who we have been praying
for since he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan during the summer and lost part
of both legs. His contact information is listed on a separate page above.
May God bless you and your family
in a special way.
Merry Christmas,
Laura
© Laura Hodges Poole
One thing that really sticks out in this post is praying for the killers family. We mustn't let our grief and/or anger blind us to their hurts and we can't push our emotions onto them.
ReplyDeleteJesus repeatedly showed compassion, we must show that as well.
My pastor said this past Sunday that Gentleness is "power under control."
Jesus had the power to condemn the adulterous woman but he showed compassion.
Very true. I agree with your pastor. It would be so easy to be angry with the killer's family, but they are victims, also.
DeleteHi Laura....this is a beautiful encouraging post. it's so hard to fathom why but I think He does grieve and also comfort....thank ypu forosting this....
ReplyDelete