Friday, December 14, 2012

Day 18: Tragedy

Day 18
 
Today is a very sad and tragic day for the families in Newtown, Conn.  It is hard to stay focused on my small problems when something so huge is happening a few states away.  That is one of the reasons I used the web address runningfreefinally.  Being able to run is a physical expression of the changes Jesus has made in me.  I am free of the fear that at one time would have made me run and hide from the world because of how scary it can be.  I no longer run in fear, but run with courage.
 
In light of all that, I really just want to re-post something Max Lucado wrote earlier today in response to today's events.  I think this really sums it all up.  Thank you Max.
 
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

(Written today by author and speaker, Max Lucado) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-lucado/a-christmas-prayer_2_b_2302548.html

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