To all those who are struggling at Christmas...

Over the last few days I have read so many sad things in the news, mostly relating to children.  Obviously what has happened to those innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary is unfathomable.  Every time the thought comes into my mind of what the parents and the children who survived are going through, I have to shake myself to stop thinking about it.  And to,  of course stop and appreciate how lucky I am.  There has been so many suicides of young people over bullying recently too, and I just wonder how my little Tilly is going to handle the big bad world when she is really in it.  

At this time of year it is hard for so many people, for so many different reasons.  Losing loved ones, being far apart or in the army, feeling financial pressure, having nowhere to spend Christmas, being hungry or homeless or being depressed.  And sometimes I think we forget this when we are stuck in a long line in a shop, buying another gift for someone who has so much already.  

So lets all take the time to talk, listen or give to someone who is struggling at this time of year.  

Here is a poem I read on FB dedicated to those little angels who are watching over us tonight.

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 mous

e.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when 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
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."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA