Where Was God?
The following sermon was preached at Covenant and Trinity United Methodist Churches in Gastonia, NC on the Sunday following the December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. One year later, we are still being called to overcome evil with good. Christmas is about children. Not just God’s gift born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, but the look of joy on children’s faces as they carefully hold a candle on Christmas Eve, set out cookies for Santa, and rip open a present on Christmas morning. And yet, this Christmas, all of us can’t help but think about 20 little children who won’t be celebrating with their families this year. We can see their faces, can’t we? Emilie’s smile that could light up a room. Ana who loved to listen to her daddy play jazz. Dylan’s blue eyes and dimples. Jack, whose first love was football and the New York Giants. Jessica, who adored anything to do with horses. Noah’s long eyelashes. Allison, ...