So much has been said by so many, that it seems almost superfluous to add our voices to the chorus longing to comfort the Newtown community. What we can do, though, is assure those who are grieving that even when we resume our normal pace, it will be with a constant prayer on our hearts for them. The apostle Paul tells us to be so aware of God that we're talking to Him while we work and drive and eat and play ("pray without ceasing"); and many of us will spend that constant prayer time asking God to draw near to everyone affected by the tragedy of this past week.

      Because others have already said more poignantly many of the things we would want to say, we will connect you to their words and wisdom, and turn our attention to prayers and action.

      While angels weep for Sandy Hook, God and the rest of heaven has already embraced heaven's newest souls. When the little ones reached heaven, they found God waiting, having raced to greet them. One of my favorite writers and theologians shows us these truths, and as you'll see, he carries forward what our great heroes of the faith have taught down through the centuries: The little ones go immediately to God. For your comfort, and to use to comfort others, I encourage you to read an excerpt of Dr. Mohler's piece by clicking here or the full article by clicking here.

      Indeed, I'd like to think Fred Rogers was part of the group waiting to welcome the children to the place where pain and sorrow are gone forever, and no one is ever alone. Mister Rogers always seems to be where children need him most; I can't imagine he'll spend his eternity any differently.

      Mister Rogers always told us to help the children---and each other---"focus on the helpers" when tragedy strikes, so tomorrow we'll begin our Christmas devotional series by doing just that: Focusing on helpers who teach us how to honor God as we serve others. We close today with this prayer for the loved ones who need us now:

     "God grant us the wisdom to speak only words that help those who suffer, and to silently make our presence known in ways that are useful and comforting. Shield them from the rhetoric that inevitably follows these tragedies, and grant them a special sense of Your presence as they try to discover how to move forward. Grant the community the resources necessary to help in whatever ways are useful, and teach the rest of us when it's time to get out of the way; when it's time for privacy; and when it's time to remind them they are not going to be forgotten.