Celebration in the Face of Tragedy

Celebration in the Face of Tragedy
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Christmas, a time for joy and celebration.  Where is our joy?  Where is our celebration?  We are like the ancient Israelites.  We have hung our harps on the willow trees. How can we sing the Lord’s songs and dance with Him in the midst of such heartbreak?
Please know that the Lord’s dance is not always in allegro.  Often it is a long, slow, intimate largo. At this time of deep, national grief, the Lord is calling us to dance with Him in largo, to dance to the rhythm of His heart of love and compassion, to allow Him to hold us close, to lead us tenderly into His peace that passes all understanding.  Then our dance becomes one of joy in His love.  
Our celebration cannot be the revelry of worldly dissipation.  Even in the best of times, dissipation leads to disillusion.  True celebration is in the comfort of His presence, in the healing of His touch, in the hope of His Word.    
As we dance in His arms, may we as a nation and a culture come once more to the understanding that our children are gifts from our God.  May our heart's desire be to nurture them, to comfort them, to guide them, to enjoy them. Parents and teachers have the most important jobs in the world.  We are among those who nurture tomorrow.  
We will overcome this tragedy by holding fast to the Lord and allowing Him to nurture us so that we can nurture others.  The Lord is asking us to dance with Him for the rest of our lives.