I had already written something for today, a continuation of my series on what to give God for Christmas. Then I heard the news about the school shooting in Connecticut. And like you, I was shaken to the core. It was all too easy to remember our daughters at that age, or to consider that our granddaughter will be going to school in a few short years. I honestly don’t know how the families involved are going to survive this. It’s only by the grace of God.

Some question God’s love in such circumstances. But God was there. In the midst of the evil of that day, his goodness shines through the lives of the teachers and staff. Incredible acts of bravery. Quick responses that saved lives. Stories of sacrificial love. The light appeared in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

In a recent post, I mentioned that we know a family who lost two daughters to a shooting at our church. What strikes me is how the parents and remaining siblings are so full of forgiveness. Over the five years since the tragedy, they’ve met with the gunman’s parents several times, sharing in their grief. They all lost children that day.

Reading an article about Friday’s shooting, I saw that in a similar way, one of the parents is expressing his concern for the family of the man who killed his daughter, understanding how hard it must be for them to know that their son/brother died committing such an evil act. Incredible forgiveness.

God’s forgiveness.

The Father sent the Son into our world, and we killed him. Our sin drove in those nails. Can you imagine sending your child to school that day knowing what was in store? Yet God did just that. His forgiveness is his gift to us. Accepting it is our gift to him.

Today, I just had to stop and grieve. Friday I’ll continue with the post originally scheduled for today.