Hope in the Midst of Tragedy
A tragedy such as that in Newtown, Connecticut is beyond comprehension.
It’s impossible to process such a horrendous scene. Impossible to understand the motives. Impossible to fully feel the pain and loss of the families or the shock and trauma to the community.
I don’t know that the senseless tragedy could be any worse than it is, but it seems even more shocking to have taken place at this time of the year.
It’s the season of joy and peace. We can assume the school was decorated with Christmas trees, snowflakes, and snowmen. I’m sure excitement was building among the children as they anticipated fast-approaching class Christmas parties, vacation, and opening presents under the tree.
Christmas is a time of celebration. My heart breaks for the parents and families who’ve purchased gifts that will never be opened. How do you bring together the scene of celebration and joy and the one of the slaughter of innocent children and the dedicated adults that trained them?
The two scenes are one. They were brought together for us.
And the connection is not as incongruous as it seems. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a baby, of Emanuel, God with us. We need to remember that God is with us—even in the midst of carnage.
There are no easy answers. There is no quick fix for the deep grief of a whole community—even the nation. For many, the trauma will take time to heal. They have a long journey before them.
However, even those who don’t yet know Jesus can experience the presence and comfort of Emmanuel if they call out to Him.
In the midst of the confusion and pain, we can be assured that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. It doesn’t matter whether we live in Newtown, Connecticut and are directly affected by the tragedy, or if we live across the country and now fear dropping our children off at school, our God will be with us.
We, too, can stand with those who are closest to the tragedy. It’s good to remember and identify with them, but we can also stand with them in prayer. Our intercessory prayers can hold them up while they are too traumatized to know how to pray. Our continued prayers can sustain them when their pain continues long past the news reports.
Our testimonies can also strengthen our neighbors if we walk in the confidence that, even in the midst of tragedy, our God cares and He is with us in the midst of the grief and pain. We needn’t fear, because He is our helper and He will not forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6).
There is hope in tragedy because we are not alone. The One who loves us most is with us.
How can we help others know that they are not alone?
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