Star of Bethlehem.

As a child I remember the first time I saw a 'tragedy' on TV - it was 1989 and the Bay Bridge had collapsed. The pictures on TV and the stories I heard was the first time I cognitively remember being disturbed by the news. I was obsessed with watching more and more about it at the young age of 4. Clearly, the images made an impression on me - my entire life and even as an adult, I have a reoccurring dream of falling off a bridge that always resembles the Bay Bridge. On Friday - many children experienced the incoming news of the events in Newtown, Connecticut. My heart is heavy as I think of every child in America this morning going back to school, my mom, mother in-law and brother in-law who work in schools, my sister who is a future teacher, my friends who work in schools and especially those children in my state. The amount of information that has been presented this past weekend and the idea of having to walk into a school this Monday morning surely is terrifying. I'm sure we all pray for protection over their little minds and their dreams after Friday.

I can't help but think how this changes Christmas this year. As of Friday, I truly - for maybe the first time - am able to tune out the Holly Jolly, Deck the Halls, Jingle Bell rock version of Christmas. My Spotify Christmas list of songs I typically listen to has been whittled down to songs about a child - born to save us. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).

There are so many thoughts, fears, questions unanswered. With you, I share those fears. Those thoughts. Those questions unanswered. This song came on my playlist a while ago, and my heart understood the words in a way that made sense. I hope you find these words in your own way, that your heart understands this plea, and finds hope.

Star of Bethlehem shining bright

bathing the world in heav'nly light,

Let the glow of your distant glory

fill us with hope this Christmas night.

Star of innocence, star of goodness

gazing out since time began,

You who've lived through endless ages

view with love the age of man.

Star of beauty hear our plea,

whisper your wisdom tenderly.

Star of Bethlehem set us free

make us a world we long to see.