These sure are sad and scary times we are living in- two shooting rampages within a week and with all the political unrest in our country. I still rest in the fact that none of this surprises God or takes Him off guard. Through the narrow lens of our understanding of the here and now this is unfathomable. But I can’t help but wonder what God sees through the wide lens with which he views all eternity past, present and future. Of course, that doesn’t negate the pain, fear and horror of recent events.
I heard this prayer read on KLove from Max Lucado from CP Opinion. It seems so fitting and I want to pass it on.
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 night shift 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
I am praying for all those families, first responders, doctors and nurses who saw and are feeling the worst of this. I am saddened by these times we are living in, but keeping my eyes on Jesus. The devil wants nothing more to keep us living in fear. We have to resist the urge to bury our heads and get succumbed with sorrow and despair. Cling to God and his promises. After all, worst case scenario puts us in heaven with Him, no more sorrow and no more tears!
