Still 4 days later, it\u2019s hard to focus on something else…<\/p>\n
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We could focus on the number of shopping days left, but they pale in comparison.<\/p>\n
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We could focus on solving the so-called \u201cfiscal cliff,\u201d but that, too \u2014 even with its almost unimaginable<\/em> depth of debt \u2014 pales in comparison.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We could focus on all sorts of things; each<\/em> would pale in comparison…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n … except maybe…<\/p>\n … just maybe…<\/p>\n … the meaning of Christmas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I realize to many the story is simply too old.\u00a0 A baby, born in a manger, in swaddling clothes with no room in some ancient inn… what exactly are \u201cswaddling\u201d clothes, anyway?<\/em>\u00a0 Let\u2019s face it:\u00a0 the story is old. \u00a0The meaning, however, is timeless.\u00a0 In the aftermath of Connecticut, when we continue to rush to justice \u2014 when we definitively aver that these horrific events must never happen again, when we find some <\/em>solace in our own, at least perceived resoluteness \u2014 we need a lasting message… a truth that is timeless.\u00a0 No speech nor warm wish, nor legislation, movement, or monetary investment compares to the lasting, old meaning of Christmas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That babe \u2014 born some 2,000 years ago \u2014 is said to be the only being ever capable of fully and ultimately ushering in peace and bestowing goodwill to men.\u00a0 Fascinating in the study of world religion, no other proclaimed deity has fulfilled the profound prophecies of Jesus Christ.\u00a0 No other faithful figure has made the claims he\u2019s made and been able to back them up.\u00a0 For no other have the words come true.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Peace.\u00a0 Goodwill to men.\u00a0 Lasting.\u00a0 Many have tried to find a solution, to offer healing, to keep bad stuff from happening again \u2014 seeking means, movements, and monies that would at least put a better-feeling Band-Aid on those evil, earthly events.\u00a0 The motive seems somewhat pure; we don\u2019t want to hurt anymore; we don\u2019t want innocent others to hurt either.\u00a0 But none are fully capable; none carry a lasting, effective meaning.\u00a0 Hence, no movement or legislation, well-intentioned as it may be, is capable of being more than a so-called Band-Aid.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When I think of the 20 kids who died in Connecticut, I need to be reminded of something I know will work… that I know will be an authentic solution.\u00a0 I think of peace.\u00a0 I need to know it\u2019s available.\u00a0 I think of goodwill… to all<\/em> men.\u00a0 I need to be encouraged to generously offer that goodwill.\u00a0 Hence, I need a lasting hope to hold on to.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Because nothing temporary makes sense.\u00a0 Even though potentially good and well-intentioned, \u201cBand-Aids\u201d are temporary.\u00a0 And while temporary may seem necessary and helpful and may appease our passions for the moment, we forget that underneath the Band-Aid only exists a deeper scar.\u00a0 My desire for each of us is not to adhere what covers up the wound \u2014 but rather, what wrestles with the deeper scar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Did we cross some sort of line on Friday?<\/p>\n Did society finally go too far?<\/p>\n Did we pass a point of accepted immorality that no longer we can stand?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And better yet, did Friday\u2019s horrific act finally get our attention?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ah, great discussion… one that no doubt we would each benefit from should we engage in respectful, listening-prioritized dialogue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My sense is no new lines of morality were crossed.\u00a0 Instead, arguably, our senses and souls have been heightened with a renewed awareness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For Band-Aids?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No, for a hope that will last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thank God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thanks for the coming of Christmas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Respectfully,<\/p>\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Still 4 days later, it\u2019s hard to focus on something else… We could focus on the number of shopping days left, but they pale in comparison. We could focus on solving the so-called \u201cfiscal cliff,\u201d but that, too \u2014 even with its almost unimaginable depth of debt \u2014 pales in comparison. We … <\/p>\n