(If you are just joining us, please refer to the blog post for the first week of Advent for background on this post.)
There are no words to capture the depth of the tragedy in Connecticut this past Friday. The pain, the loss, the devastation – it is all so incomprehensible.
These are the times when we want answers. We want to know why more than twenty children and adults could be killed in the apparent safety of an elementary school. We want to know why there is such evil in this world. Most especially, we want to know where God is.
It is deeply poignant for me that this tragedy occurred during the season of Advent. It is a stark reminder of the season’s message. Advent is about recognizing the pain of our world. It is about feeling the suffering that is wrought by sin in our world. It is about listening to the deep cries of our world as we call out to God for salvation.
“Be still, and know that I AM GOD.”
Now, more than ever, this verse seems appropriate. If we are to receive comfort, peace, and hope from God, we need to be still. Being still can help us through these tragic days.
This week, we pray, “Be still, and know.” Know that God is present in this world. Know that God never wanted this to happen. Know that God is grieving right along with us for the slain children and adults of Newtown, CT. Know that God is preparing to save us from the darkness by sending the gift of Light.
Cross: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
With Each Bead: ”Be still, and know.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Cross: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Kristin
Thank you for your kind, thoughtful, and compassionate words. I will pray with you, and for you as you finish your book. Your California friend, Margaret
Margaret,
Thank you for your kind words and for your prayers! They are such a blessing to me!
Peace, Kristen
[…] other thing I remember is writing the Advent prayer bead devotion that weekend following the shooting. I commented on how poignant it was that the tragedy had […]