I woke up this morning and turned on the news to hear of the senseless and tragic event of the school shooting in Connecticut where conservatively more than 20 precious lives were taken. While I listen, I think of how scared the children and school staff must have been, the terror that many experienced. I think of the absolute frantic fear and helplessness that the parents of these little ones were surely feeling. I think of the chaos of the first responders scrambling to assist and wondering what they will face. I think of the evil, the devastation, the selfishness, the pain that would cause someone to commit such atrocities. As I think on these things, my heart feels heavy, life feels a bit overwhelming and ultimately I feel a longing in my heart for Home.
Not home meaning the roof and walls that I sleep under, but Heaven my eternal home. The pain of this world, causes me to yearn for a day when there will be no more sorrow, where loved ones won’t leave us to soon, where sickness and heartache are no more, where evil is obliterated and love wins!
In just a little over a week we will gather together with loved ones to celebrate Christmas and all the birth of our Savior means. As we do, let us be mindful of the greatest gift that has ever be given, the fact that God loved us so much that He made a way and sent His one and only son, born on that Christmas night long ago, so that even though we must endure the pain and trials of this world, if we believe in Him then our time here now, sweet as it may be some days and as painful as it may be to endure on others, we’re just passing through.
Jesus did not promise that we would not have troubles in this life, a matter of fact, it’s a guarantee we will. He did however promise that He has overcome the trials in this life. In the end He wins and so do we if we believe in Him and in the meantime while we are here in our temporary home, He is with us. He is Emmanuel – God With Us. He is Emmanuel, the God who is with those suffering from the tragedy today and He is Emmanuel, with You.
Some of these precious little ones will be Home for Christmas this year and there will be hearts aching here on earth, but there’s more to the story and this life isn’t where it ends if you believe, someday we’ll all be home for Christmas. What a celebration that will be!!
“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33
Neeserisms 
Thank you for sharing such comforting insight, Denise. I especially appreciate the scripture you closed with. It’s hard to get your head around such a senseless act of violence, but it helps to be reminded that God is still on the throne, and He is still in control of EVERY situation. His Ways our beyond our understanding….. and He still is and will always remain the One True God.