Hopeful optimism
Matthew's Gospel tells us that King Herod, enraged by the birth of a Messiah who would challenge his power, unleashes the terrible, swift sword of the Roman Legions on the "Little town of Bethlehem." All the newborn children are massacred.
Unimaginable horror!
It is not likely to be read on Christmas Eve. Neither will it be part of the Children's pageant. Yet it is "real life," told again at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn.
Massacres of children and women are such a common story in conflict zones it fails to make the news.
A former United Church moderator states, "The season of tinsel has sharp edges." Multiple tragedies unfold - the death of 28 children and adults followed by the suicide of the shooter who also killed his mother. What can we do? Barbara Coloroso offered this sage advice: At all times, and especially at times like this, give to our children/youth three important things: our time, our affection and a sense of hopeful optimism. As a society, she went on to plead: we must pay attention to mental health issues.
Let me ask of you two things: take 30 minutes right now to go online and learn something about mental health. In addition, if you are thinking of doing something to harm yourself or someone else, reach out to a friend, family, doctor, clergy, police officer or teacher and ask for help. You are too precious to lose.
This Christmas Eve remember: "Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this."
Jim Short can be reached at [email protected].
