THE WEEPING IN BETHLEHEM - Advent's Hope is the Only Answer

by Dr. Larry J. Walkemeyer, Lead Pastor at Light and Life Christian Fellowship, Long Beach.   Pastor Larry writes in response to Fridays tragedy in Connecticut.  
Compliments of Turning Point Counseling

20 Innocent Children. 
Tragedy. Pain. Loss. Questions.
Newton, Connecticut disrupts Christmas. 
WHY?

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It's too early to answer that question. 
What led to this? What do we do with this? 
Those answers need to wait while we weep. 
At this point all we can do is frame the picture. 
We have to wait to see what fits inside.

Here's the frame:
When Jesus came Satan tried to kill the newborn King.
King Herod killed all baby boys under the age of 2 in Bethlehem.
Some historians say that 20 children were killed in Bethelehem.
Others take the number higher to 200 or more.

Jesus tells us that Satan comes to "kill" John 10:10
His hatred against humans is unlimited and illogical.
Until he is cast into the lake of fire, these tragedies will occur.

Jesus came into this violence to rescue us.
To offer peace in the midst of this battlefield called earth.  
To offer the ultimate peace beyond this earth. 

Meanwhile...
Jesus came for moments like this.
Advent means "coming". 
He came in order to be there with us and for us. 
His name is Emmanuel - "God with us"!
"God with us" in our tears.
"God with us" in our loss. 
"God with us" in our journey.
"God with us" in our confusion and questions.

Without Jesus, tragedies are the end. 
How does an athiest comfort someone in a moment like this? 
With Jesus, tragedies can be redeemed. 
John 10:10..."I have come that you might have life"
The Innocent Children of Bethlehem & Newton
are now in the glorious, joyful presence of God! 

WHY?

Because of the one innocent child, who grew up,
then gave up His life on the cross.
The innocent dying for guilty so the guilty have hope and life. 
This is the story and glory of Christmas. 

If you would like to see one of our TPC counselors in your area, call us at 800-998-6329 x300 to schedule a first time appointment. 

Compliments of
TURNING POINT COUNSELING
1370 N. Brea Blvd., Ste. 245 
Fullerton, CA  92835
800-998-6329  
TurningPointCounseling.org