Real Hope for Newtown and the World

In light of today's events in Newtown, it is helpful and important to hold on to the Source of hope in times of tragedy:

1. God is not caught off guard or surprised by the presence of evil in the world. The Gospel is honest about the prevalence of sin and brokenness. God cares. God grieves. It is exactly because we need a Savior that Jesus came, and one day will come again to set things right.

2. We are not powerless. We are not defined by the evil of others. Turn off the TV and the endless loops of repeating sound and video bites. Instead, turn on the prayer. Pray for the families who lost loved ones, for those around them affected by the immediacy of the tragedy, the first responders, community leaders, and others The Lord puts on your heart.

3. Seize the opportunity to actively represent the real hope, justice and love of God's Kingdom. Find a way to encourage or comfort at least one other person. Be a hope-bearer. The prophetic message of Christmas from Isaiah 9 is:

2The people walking in darkness 

have seen a great light; 

on those living in the land of deep darkness 

a light has dawned...

6For to us a child is born, 

to us a son is given, 

and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7Of the increase of his government and peace 

there will be no end. 

He will reign on David’s throne 

and over his kingdom, 

establishing and upholding it 

with justice and righteousness 

from that time on and forever. 

The zeal of the Lord Almighty 

will accomplish this.