Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Bless All The Dear Children

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
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. 
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

3 comments:

  1. 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.
    Jesus 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.

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    1. 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.

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  2. Hi 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....

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