Yesterday a 20 year old man chose to use a gun to do harm to others and to himself. Today 27 people are dead, including 20 children and the young man who is responsible for the deaths. While many have opted to use social media to forward a specific political or theological agenda rather than to address the tragedy directly others have called any conversations about those matters inappropriate. Regardless of personal preference or perspective, prayer is an appropriate and powerful response. The Collegium of Officers of the United Church of Christ offers these words:
Loving God, our hearts are broken as we take in the tragedy at Sandy Hook School in Newtown. Tears flow as we see the pictures of young children, teachers and parents fleeing a scene of terror and fear, and as we hear the shaken voices of those who escaped. But mostly, Holy One, we are simply stunned that this kind of violence has once again erupted in our nation. We lift our prayers to you now, prayers that your comfort will surround the families of those children and teachers who lost their lives, and prayers for the community of Newtown. We pray for the hope brought afresh to us by the birth of the Prince of Peace this time of year. May it be born in us and infuse all of our relationships. May your hope and peace touch this world as never before. May your love crowd out our despair and feelings of helplessness. May the star which rested over that manger light the way we take as peacemakers. In the name of the One who is to be born we pray. Amen.
So What?
People who follow the way of Jesus are in the midst of the season of Advent. These folks are preparing for the birth of a baby that turned and continues to turn the world upside down with ideas that challenge empires. The possibility of peace is forever changed by the coming of the one who is called Prince of Peace who challenges his followers to live as peacemakers.
- How is your local congregation addressing the tragedy in Connecticut? How would you prefer your community of faith address this issue now and also on Sunday?
- How does Jesus’ role as Prince of Peace and challenge to his followers to be peacemakers influence your interactions with others?