Towards the Light

Written by Bill Alt on the Third Sunday of Advent

She just wanted to play soccer, a little girl with blond hair and smiles. She just wanted to run on a field with friends and kick a ball, laughing, with no worries and her life laying out ahead of her.  Her mom was there on the sidelines, so proud of her daughter, so much in love. As they walked to their car at the end of practice, did they talk about school and what Emma liked about her teacher? Did Emma ask to stop for a special treat before heading home and did her Mom say no, it’s getting late and it’s a school night? Did her Mom ask what Emma thought Santa might bring her for Christmas and what she would like to give Grandma and Grandpa? In an instant, all the questions, all the silly, simple, beautiful, and wonderful moments of loving a seven year-old were stopped forever when a family friend with a legally purchased firearm shot and killed little Emma, critically wounded her mom, and then turned the gun on himself.

My son is seven years old and every night before I go to bed, I give him a blessing as he sleeps. I make the sign of the cross on his forehead and I say, “I love you, my little prince. May God bless you and keep you safe all night long.” I don’t think- I can’t think- that he could ever be taken from me. It is too painful and scary to think about, but someone will be next. Some mom and dad will be broken beyond repair, some holiday party will host mass murderers, some young black man will not come home tonight, and some refugees will be turned back by hatred and fear.  I weep and my heart is filled with anguish as I cry out, “Why? Why is it into this world that Christ is born?”

Yes, I believe Christ is born into our deepest darkness. I believe Christ weeps with us there but also points us towards the light. Christ shows that death, suffering, and evil will not have the last word. Love, forgiveness, peace, goodness, and mercy will prevail. It will prevail because God asks us to bear Christ to the world; Christ is born into our world when we show kindness, when we give thanks in all things, and when we roll down justice. This is the joy I rejoice in. I want the Prince of Peace to be born now, no more delays, into this troubled and bruised world so that little girls and little boys can come home safe from soccer practice. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95itEHED8Hk

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Bill Alt
Bill is St. Mary’s Campus Minister for Social Justice. He lives in Ypsilanti with his wife, Angie, and two sons, Jacob and Patrick.  They have worshiped at St. Mary Student Parish since 2012. They miss the mountains of West Virginia but have found a home in Michigan.
Email: walt@smspnewman.org