prepare Him room.

I can't stop thinking about Friday and Sandy Hook Elementary School. I can't stop thinking about the families of those who were taken too soon and all the precious souls now embraced by their Heaven. As I watched this clip of this heroic man and father, one thing Robbie Parker said, struck a chord deep within me. "As we move on from what happened here, what happened to so many people, let it not turn into something that divides us..."  Let it not turn into something that divides us. Let it not turn into something that divides us. Let it not turn into something that divides us. It's a line worth repeating. Over. And over. And over. Again.

There's already been lots of talk, plenty of opinions and exchanges of attitudes and judgments regarding the views of others. When we live in a world where unthinkable tragedy occurs, we live in a culture already full of division, where many are quick to speak, but few are willing to listen. We need more listening. And as Robbie Parker also so beautifully said, we need to be "more compassionate."

In this sacred time of year, often drowned out with excessive fluff, may we be awake and vigilant, purposeful and prepared, to offer Love room. Not by moving the couches or creating extra space for the five boxes of Christmas decorations (although many of our living rooms know this rearrangement all too well), but most importantly, may we prepare Love room, in the place He longs to dwell, in the place where music dances to a beat of it's own, in the place that sustains us all, our hearts.

This Christmas is going to be incredibly difficult for all the families and loved ones of Friday's victims. And by no means, can I speak for them or claim to know what they are feeling or going through, but if this Christmas we all work hard at fulfilling Robbie Parker's simple request, we could trade our pride with compassion, our division with embrace, and maybe, just maybe, we could ignite a tiny sliver of peace amidst all the pain and suffering. As 'Joy the World' begs, let every heart prepare Him room.

God who is Love, may we prepare you room.
Every heart.
Broken or mended.
Weary or anxious.
Tired or lonely.
Confused or doubtful.
Empty or sorrowful.
May every heart this Christmas, prepare Him room.

All the families of Sandy Hook, our thoughts and prayers remain with you.

♥ photo by one of my favorite photographers, Marianne Greig

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