Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Tragedy

Words escape me to describe the horrific tragedy that took place in our nation on Friday morning...and yet, these violent tragedies seem to be more and more frequent in our headlines as of late. Additionally, violence and civil unrest seems to be escalating on a global scale as well. They are horrific and tragic and a reminder that Evil still resides and is on the prowl all around us. As I was reminded in a sermon this morning, we are most endangered when we fail to recognize the immense danger that is always all around us.  Warfare is being waged for our very souls, and yet I think often times we choose to remain "asleep", thinking that we are exempt from the possibility of immense, gut-wrenching tragedy happening in our own individual lives.

I found THIS conversation to be very enlightening when reading headlines recently. It looks at the tragedy from a different perspective than I have looked at it before, and addresses the travesty of mental illness and the often-forgotten struggle of those who cope with it. It is true that brokenness in this world affects every one of us, from the noted "victims" of these mass-murder atrocities to even the vilest perpetrators. Earlier today we heard President Obama saying the US "will have to change". It is true, we MUST change. But deep down, can we change? Can we change our own nature? Are we capable of it? Certainly we can erect laws, statutes, policies and systems that manage our evil acts (sometimes quite well), but I beg we consider the question-

 can we change the root cause of Evil?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and to be respected for that opinion. In my opinion, as a Christian, I think it is impossible to change the root cause of evil: SIN. We have just entered the Christmas Season and I think this horrific event beckons us to ask the question,

"What are we celebrating when we celebrate Christmas?" 

If we are simply celebrating Santa Claus and toys and family and good cheer, than we are essentially saying that we are in support of THIS AGENDA that is presently hailing on Times Square. And if that is what we want to support, then so be it. Walk around and tell people, "Merry, Merry!" as the atheist agenda is encouraging many to do. But we must not be surprised when Evil spreads like wildfire as we depart from the Biblical foundation this nation was birthed upon. If indeed we are celebrating something else, namely the birth of Jesus Christ, then we must recognize why He came- to reunite a people who are broken, flawed, and helpless, and to give us grace, mercy, and hope.

Our family is going to Bundibugyo, Uganda, not because there isn't plenty of opportunity to serve the suffering here in America. Look around us- there is suffering EVERYWHERE. We are going because we believe that God has a plan for each of His children, to use each one for His glory in this world. When we seek Him, He promises to direct our path (Prov 3:5-6).  Ours happens to be to Bundibugyo {Have you looked up Bundi on GoogleEarth yet? Could we have chosen this place on our own??} On whatever path He has us, we are to be about His business: bringing the Hope and Light of Jesus Christ to those we encounter around us. During this time of reflecting upon immense tragedy, I pray we also look around at the tragedies occurring all over the globe, and we ask some deep probing questions that maybe only God Himself can answer. I pray that we turn to the Bible for those answers, and as we do, that we would learn more about the Hope that can be found in Jesus alone, and how we can reach out and share it with those in need.