Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Connecticut Shooting: The Christmas Answer

My mother recently informed me that our TV's aren't modern.

Really? What's a modern TV? Do you mean a big screen?

Turns out that most TV's are digital now; you can get a signal even without having cable, or something like that. They wanted to send us a modern TV for Christmas so my husband and my son Paul could watch sports.

Thank you for your kindness, I ended up saying a few days later, but how about a microwave instead? Ours died and our kids really like baked potatoes and microwave popcorn.

I'm always reminded that we're behind the times and my inner response is...really? Good. My heart belongs in the mid- to late-1800's. That era would have suited me fine, and my son Peter as well.

You've been viewing horrific images of the tragedy in Connecticut for days, while I've only read three articles about it via the Internet, with few pictures and no video, since my Internet speed is terrible and my computers are too old to bring me high-tech news.

My first response was probably similar to that of most homeschoolers: Thank God we homeschool.

But as I thought about the state of our world, my response broadened. After the national election I happened to read that fewer and fewer people under 40 years of age go to church or claim any religious affiliation. We are losing the young people in this country to Satan. The killings in malls and movie theaters and schools are just a symptom of the main problem: Godlessness

The only way to win our country back for God is to cling tighter to God ourselves. We can't have one foot in the world and hope to impact our kids, our neighborhood, and our communities for Christ.

Radical heart change. That what's needed. We must go through our hearts and minds and dump everything that isn't of God. Let's love Him radically and let Him use us radically. He has overcome this world. 

He can overcome the world in us, if we let him.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

He has overcome every single aspect of Friday's tragedy. Don't accept that it's about the lack of gun control or about unsafe school buildings. It's about God and his absence in the hearts of our people.

Each Christian needs to go and make disciples. Declare the Gospel with our very lives. We must live the gospel to win our country back. 

Pray. Pray much for all the brokenhearted. And prevent. Prevent a repeat by showing these United States of America and beyond, that God rules your heart and life. That God orders your steps. Declare to everyone you know that from the beginning of time, God planned a rescue for every tragedy we'll ever face.

Our personal rescue, our national rescue, the rescue of every grieving parent, grandparent, neighbor, and friend in Connecticut is Jesus Christ our Lord.

ChristmasIt brings us God's Rescue Plan. Let's read these beautiful Christmas verses with awe and reverence. Let's give thanks for the Rescuer and make our very lives about rescuing others in His name. What other purpose could our redeemed lives possibly serve? 

Say it loud and strong and with your whole heart: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:10-14
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”


Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Acts 5:31
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.


6 comments:

Terri H said...

I have seen so many people rail against so many different things that "caused" this tragedy, but I agree with you. As my husband said last night, "The country has lost its soul." May God have mercy on us all.

Christine said...

Yes, lost its soul indeed, Terri. Makes me wonder how my children will find a God-fearing spouse someday, with so few young evangelicals and even fewer with a solid Christian worldview. But not too big for God, that's for sure.

Ann Voskamp puts some links on her sidebar today, one from David Platt and one from Max Lucado regarding the Connecticut tragedy.

www.aholyexperience.com


Terri H said...

I've got a boy just the right age...surely we can hook them up. ;)

Christine said...

We definitely need to stay in touch! :)

Unknown said...

I agree on the soul and no matter how we try we will never understand evil. Like you I have only heart short things on the radio or read an article, we do not have TV.SO sad:(

Lisa said...

Very well said, my friend. While most of the country is playing the blame game, the only cure for our country is the Lord Jesus.
May you and your family have a joyous Christmas season.
Much love to you!