Let Your Light Shine

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

While our nation grieves for those lives lost in Connecticut I hope you will all join with me to pray for parents around America as they send their children back to school this week. Pray for the many families grieving this holiday season. Pray for the teachers, administration, staff, and students across America who are trying to regroup, persevere, and pursue dreams of education. Remember to show respect this holiday season are you are out and about in your respective communities. Cherish your loved ones a little extra while the opportunities are near.

Like many, I have read a lot of articles on the Internet since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary last week. Honestly, it is one of the only things on the news. It is my deepest wish that the media would leave the families of Sandy Hook Elementary alone to grieve privately. We have all learned that teachers hid their students to protect them, giving their own lives. Children watched their best friends die. Although stories will continue to surface, I truly believe the best of America will always overcome hate and curiosity. The best of America is found within those in our school systems. The best of America are those educators, administration, and staff who take the time to listen, care, inspire, guide, love, and protect students to every end possible.

Although I am not a parent yet, I cannot even begin to imagine what the families of Newtown are going through. Being a future teacher has caused me to stop and think often lately. I love children. I love the thought of knowing that I will be a future educator. However, with all I have, I believe there is so much more to being a teacher than educating the minds of students academically. I hope to be half the teacher of those who dedicated themselves to the safety of their students at Sandy Hook and died heroes.

A Christmas Prayer by Max Lucado

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 nightshift 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


 

Christmas lights shine bright everywhere you look these days. While many of us are filled with the Christmas spirit, others are trying to pick up the pieces of a life that they once had around our world. As Tony and I were driving around looking at the lights in our area it reminded me of Matthew 5:16.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

 

In the same way that we turn on our Christmas lights for all to see at night, I pray that Jesus would shine in all the Christians in our world today. Will Sandy Hook go down in history as another senseless tragedy—or as the moment that catalyzed a movement? If you are a prayer warrior, please pray that Christians everywhere will use their light more than ever before to stand up in a nation that is lost.

There is nothing that can be said to express how truly horrific the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary was last week. Equally, there is almost nothing individuals can do to help the Sandy Hook community other than listen and offer whatever comforts we can. Nothing can replace all that has been lost. Money will not change things. Issues of gun control and mental health are for the government and the public at large to deal with, but what Newtown needs right now is unconditional love, thoughts, and prayers. Also, the small town of Newtown needs our light. America needs us to stand up and shine, friends! No matter how bright or how far your light will reach, determine to make a difference today. There is no darkness so deep, that God’s arms are not deeper still, that we cannot raise our arms in highest praise to Him during this season of celebration and grief. I cannot read another word about Sandy Hook. At my limit with only words. It is time for action around all that has transpired and will continue to transpire. Remember, through all things- Actions speak louder than words.

Christmas Lights in downtown Birmingham, Pelham, Hoover, and Homewood

 

 

Christmas Lights Apartment Style

 

 

 

Tomorrow, many bloggers and social media outlets are taking a day of silence in honor and in memory of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. If you would like more information on how you can help, please refer to THIS POST.  To see a touching video tribute from the TV show The Voice, click THIS POST.  We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

 

**This post can be found at Delightful Order on 12/20/12 for link up! Check out all the other wonderful linked blogs and Christmas posts. Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

 

 

 As always, until next time- Happy Blogging!