Church of the
Annunciation

Is it possible for us to rejoice in the depth of such sadness and shock in the aftermath of the killing of twenty innocent children and six adults within the safety of an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut? In our first reading Zephaniah, a prophet of doom and gloom, exhorts Zion to rejoice for her salvation is near at hand. In our second reading, Paul writes a letter from prison to the Philippians to encourage them to rejoice at the coming of Christ. The church at Philippi is experiencing internal dissension and external threats -- an odd time to rejoice. Often in life joy and sadness are not experienced apart but side by side e.g. smiles at a wake and tears at a wedding. In both Infancy narratives surrounding the birth of Jesus, the evangelists tell of glad tidings and danger. In the Gospel according to Luke, angels announce the joyful event to shepherds and soon after Simeon foretells that Jesus will be rejected and Mary’s heart will be pierced. In the Gospel according to Matthew, magi from the east bring gifts and adore the child but then the family must flee for their lives to avoid the murderous designs of King Herod. The world is a focal point of God’s love and a hostile place to live. Ultimate safety is with God. Let us pray for the grieving families and community in Newtown, Connecticut. Let us pray for the children, principal, teachers and staff, for the first-responders and police, for the counselors. Let us pray for the children and adults who died. Let us pray for the young man who is responsible for the horror who took his own life, for his Mom, also a victim, for his brother and father. The circle of pain encompasses so many. May we, by God’s grace, be in solidarity with all who come to Christmas with broken hearts and shattered lives.