I’m listening to the news reports of the horrific slaughter in the school in Connecticut. I’m fighting back tears and the urge to be sick. No one has answers for this kind of tragedy.
And as we draw closer to Christmas, I’m reminded of the haunting words of Tennyson in his Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And mild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men…

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Today it can seem like the song of peace is being mocked.  But I remain hopeful that God is not dead…nor does he sleep.  And my prayers go out to the aching hearts of those who have lost so much on this day.