Last Friday I was puttering around the house, doing my usual day-off chores, when a news broadcast caught my eye.  I stood in shock as I learned of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.  The location wasn't announced immediately, so my mind went right to my friends in Manchester, Connecticut and the children who were in the Sunday School of the congregation I served.  I later learned the that tragedy took place on the opposite side of the state, in Newtown.  And I learned that it was even more horrific than I could have possibly imagined.  Twenty sweet, beautiful children were dead along with six teachers and school administrators who tried to protect them.  Unimaginable. 

So where is the God Moment in this?  Perhaps it is too soon to tell.  In the midst of my pain ~ and the pain of everyone I've talked to ~ I appreciate this article from United Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton.  He speaks to the senseless nature of this tragedy and God's place in it all. 

No, Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason

Over the past few days I have seen God in the responses to this tragedy.  Lutherans from Illinois brought nine comfort dogs to Newtwon to console grieving children and families with pats and snuggles.  Across the country toys have been collected for the children of Newtown and shared beyond with other children in need.  Through this tragedy we have recognized the humanity in each other and responded. 

It is too early to understand what happened.  In fact, I don't think we will ever understand.  Still, we can share God's love with each other and witness to the child whose birth we will celebrate in just a few short days.  No matter how deep the darkness, the light will always overcome it.  This is the message of Christmas.  This is our ever-present God moment.