Tragic events spur prayers of peace

I don’t know where to begin.

Typically each week, as I sit before my computer, the cursor blinking expectantly on the blank page, I have a clear idea of my topic.  During this week, I tossed around ideas about outdated Christmas specials you won’t see on television anymore, a variety of holiday cards received, or my ineptitude with the one kitchen utensil I just can’t seem to master: the cookie press.

But all of that now seems ridiculous and trivial in light of the tragedy that occurred last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

A part of me desperately wants to choose a humorous topic for this column, to give readers a moment of escape from the horror of this unspeakable crime.  I know that by the time this column goes to press, readers will have seen endless hours of television coverage and possibly hundreds of online and print articles outlining every fact, hypothesis and opinion on this nightmare.   Who wouldn’t want to forget, if only for an instant, the images of those children being led from the school by law enforcement officials, their little hands resting on the shoulders of the child in front of them?   But not acknowledging the event feels wrong.

I love Christmas.  I love the music and the gift giving and the crazy dynamics of family.  I love the displays both tacky and tasteful.  I love the way people often perform additional acts of kindness because they’ve been moved by the spirit of the season.  I love sitting in church and quietly reflecting on the miracle of Christmas, the birth of Christ and the “good news” proclaimed for all mankind.  It all adds up to that one word that encompasses the holiday season: joy.

But in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, with Christmas just a few days away, it feels as if the mythical Dementors from the Harry Potter series have swooped in and removed all of the joy.  As I wrap presents for my sons, I can’t help but think about the wrapped gifts under some of those Newtown Christmas trees that will remain unopened.   As I debate over a scarf purchase (orange or blue?), I think about those 20 families who are faced with the task of planning their child’s funeral.  As I sit in church and thank God for all of His blessings, I simultaneously wonder how He can allow such evil to exist in our world.  How are the violent deaths of all those innocent children part of His plan?

This heinous act has already spawned much discussion about school safety, gun control, violent video games and mental illness, and I’m sure the debate will continue over the weeks and months to come: If only there were stricter gun laws in place.  If only kids weren’t allowed to play violent video games.  If only someone had treated the perpetrator’s mental health issues. These are important issues that need to be addressed, and should be addressed before the faces of these victims fade from our memory and another gunman batters his way into an elementary school.  These statements are also our way of trying to make sense of this senseless act.

I’d like to give you a chuckle or two before Christmas, but out of respect for those who were taken from us, I’ll offer you a prayer instead.  I pray that your holidays are filled with love and joy.  I pray that the families of the victims draw strength from their loved ones, their community and the nation.  I pray that someday we may finally learn how to live together in peace.

And may God bless us, each and every one.