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Several weeks ago, it seemed impossible that anyone could be planning a celebration for Dec. 25. First, we got news that our handyman and former neighbor had been found, murdered, back in Ohio. Then we were all saddened by the murder of the mother of three, just down the road from the church. Several of our members were her neighbors. There were two car crashes, killing five teenagers in one and three members of the same family in another. Several church members knew the young man who shot at people in Hollywood, who was killed by the police. It was just piling on, tragedy after tragedy. Then my father told me that a family killed in a Lancaster fire were members of his church, the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, and the father of the family was in his Sunday School.
We often read about these tragedies, but they seem slightly removed from us. They don't happen to people we know. In fact, they happen so rarely that we just don't forget them. I often hear people refer to a tragedy that happened years ago. We cannot forget the sadness that these people endured.
It made the whole Advent thing seem a little strange. How could we be merry in the midst of those grieving around us? Yet the words still ring out...the angels saying, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is born this day, a Savior, Christ the Lord." Or John reminding us that the Light came into the world, and the darkness cannot put it out.
There have always been murders, tragedies, accidents. Jesus was born into a world where torture and killing were routine. He would pass by people on crosses as he walked as a child and adult. He would see people who were starving to death unless someone intervened. He would see people suffering from illness, blindness, and other ailments. When he saw these, his heart was moved by compassion.
I soon realized that I couldn't help any of the families of the victims...I didn't know them. However, I could help those that I did know. How wonderful it is that at Christmas, we find ways to give, to build up others! Yes, we can be the light that shines in the darkness! |
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