Never in the history of the program has the opening segment featured a children's choir. In radiant joy and with beautiful voices, they sang the words that never fail to move believers to worship the Father for the gift of the Son. "Silent Night, Holy Night...Holy Infant so tender and mild...Love's true light."
Perhaps unwittingly, Saturday Night Live got it right. In the midst of such a trajedy as we witnessed this weekend at Sandy Hook Elementary School, our only hope, the world's only hope, is Jesus.
Jesus is the only one who can comfort us when evil runs amuck. Jesus is the only one who can put us upright when we've been knocked down.
Oh, that the world would listen to Jesus! The Word of God disarms Satan every time. Oh, that the world might turn to Him in repentance and faith. Jesus earned our forgiveness at the cross but He is always ready to deal with sorrowful hearts with His gifts of grace and mercy. Even now the Lord stands with outstretched arms, ready to receive and comfort the lost and the hurting.
President Obama is right - we need a change in our country. But this change will not come from within. We are not good enough or strong enough. Sin lurks in the heart of us all. Change is possible only when we open our hearts and let Jesus come in. His "redeeming grace" changes us. Pray that people will take a look at the "Holy Infant so tender and mild." Jesus is our hope.
Come, Lord Jesus!
