The Lord giveth and The Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of The Lord.

When I think about the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Friday morning, I am overwhelmed by the emotions I feel. As I think of precious kindergartners being lined up and shot execution style it breaks my heart. But since I found out about this I have had a very clear picture in my head of what I think those final minutes in the back of that classroom were like. Of course the children were terrified, but I believe there was somehow a sense of peace as well. Because whenever I think about those children I see Jesus sitting with them huddled in the back of the room. We may have tried to keep God out of our schools but the God and savior I know loves all the little children. He says many times through scripture, let the little children come to me. And to enter heaven one must have the faith of a little child. So I believe without a doubt that each of those children though terrified felt Jesus right there along side of them. Why didn't Jesus intervene if He was there? I don't know but I do know that God gives beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, and peace for despair.   As Christians we are to praise God through all circumstances. Sometimes that is extremely extremely hard. My simple prayer when I can't understand the "why's" is this, "the Lord giveth and The Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of The Lord."

This morning in my women's bible study during our devotional time, this story was read.

'TWAS 11 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA


Come quickly Jesus, come and heal our land.