GRIEF OF NEWTOWN

Although I have faced cancer and nearly three decades of disease that has steadily and irrevocable stripped me of physical function and disabled me, it's nothing compared to the grief being endured by the parents of murdered children and loved-ones in Newtown, CT.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember and pray for the good people of Newtown who lost loved-ones. President Obama's address on Sunday evening began with the 2 Corinthians 4.16-5.1:

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far  more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

This Scripture has been a comfort and consolation to me. I hope it provides similar solace to grievers of Newtown. The solace and promise of the Apostle Paul's words are found a few verses earlier: "Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up with Jesus" (verse 14).

There, dear people of Newtown, this is this griever's hope and joy (even in the midst of pain and sorrow): To know I will be with Christ in eternity. You too will see your little ones again. Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19.14). Remember you were reminded of this at the memorial for your children?

Please do not despair. Follow Christ. You will see them again in glory.

Mark Davis Pickup