Holiday Tragedy

I have always been mortified by news of school shootings, but yesterday’s tragedy struck me harder than usual. I’m in my first year as a teacher myself, and although my students certainly frustrate me, I love them. I want to provide a safe place for them. I want to build their confidence in themselves. I want to open their ears to the beauty of language and their eyes to the wonder of humanity. I try to be the kind of teacher parents would want for their children—and I feel the weight of their trust. Sometimes that responsibility haunts me, especially when I feel that I’ve failed. Because of that, I feel more profoundly the horror of what happened in Connecticut: The week before winter break, a crazed man open-fired on kindergarteners and their teachers. Some of the victims surely had presents waiting under the Christmas tree. They had probably worked on a variety of Christmas-themed crafts, and excitedly insisted they be displayed on the refrigerator. Their families will spend Christmas in mourning this year.

Sobered by that tragic thought, I went to the rehearsal for my church’s Christmas program. The first song we sang was I Heard the Bells of Christmas Day. I choked back tears as I sang these verses:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,

and wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Christmas assures me that the day will come when “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).