As I sit and pen this weekly column, I can’t help but to let my mind wander to the grief and mental anguish weighing heavily in the minds and hearts of at least 26 families in Newtown, Connecticut as they enter what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

Like it was yesterday, I still recall the emotional strain of Christmas – 2004, the first since the deaths of my father and mother, respectively in June and October of that year. The subsequent years since their passing have gotten better, but the Christmas holiday remains the toughest to handle.

Christmas – 2012 will not be easy either as I reflect on the passing of my sister in April of this year.

But while their deaths stemmed from medical reasons, it’s hard for me to fathom how the parents and other family members of 20 young souls and six adults are handling the brutal murders that occurred inside an elementary school on Dec. 14.

Then, like a note sent from Heaven, I received an email from a friend on Dec. 20. It was simply entitled, “The Perfect Poem” and I’m printing these words of comfort as follows:

“Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through Heaven’s gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. “This is heaven.” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”

Then what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was Joy, that only Heaven can bring, and those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had, He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below, He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools.” “I’m taking back My nation. I’m taking back My schools!”

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children, let me show you around.”

Excitement filled the space; some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

“In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

I encourage everyone reading these words to pause from your busy schedule this holiday season, bow your heads and utter a prayer for the families of these innocent victims.

And while you’re in the warm embrace that only family can bring, reach out and grab your loved ones a bit tighter and a bit longer because none of us know what tomorrow holds.

 

Cal Bryant is Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. He can be contacted at cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or 252-332-7207.