Advent Reflection: Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Amy and I sat in our car last night on a Point Loma street known for its Christmas lights and decorations listening on the radio to the prayer service held at the high school in Newtown. Windows down, one ear to clergy from every faith share their wisdom and the other ear to the laughter of children looking at lights and taking pictures with their parents. It was a perfect contras t —rejoicing and weeping at the same time. This weekend’s tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut and Sandy Hook Elementary school left twenty six- and seven-year-olds, six staff and one gunman dead. As the story was told it rocked the nation and the world with fear, anger, sadness; hugs, comfort, compassion. What a crazy backdrop to Christmas, when love, joy, peace and hope is shared from pulpits and peace on earth sung in carols and hung from light posts. We are looking for happy distractions and not expecting horror and mass murder. ...