The Light that Penetrates the Darkness

In the movie " It's A Wonderful Life" the main character George Bailey wishes he was never born. The angel Clarence Oddbody consults with God and his wish is granted. George Bailey sees the results of his absence. The brother who dies because he was not there to save him, the wrong prescription that is sent out and resulting ruin of the pharmacist, the town being taken over by the
greedy Mr. Potter and so on and so on. We have no way of ever knowing how our lives affects those we come across in this journey. I have been touched by people the most during tragic events. My own son who was severely injured in a boating accident that transformed his life. The funeral of a parishioner who had taken her own life. The love and support for a young lady, who also is a parishioner, after she had been in a serious car crash. It could be that I am a stoic in terms of my emotions. The jolt that comes from seeing the outpouring of love during these most tragic of times may be powerful enough to penetrate the walls that surround my heart. But it does penetrate and leaves it with a lasting impression. In today's mornings paper I read about a most horrific tragedy. A man had accidentally driven his car over his own two year old daughter. I can't begin to fathom the range of emotions that has befallen this person. The wrenching guilt, the sadness, the regret, and the countless time that horror plays over and over again in his mind. All the what ifs and whys in the world cannot ease his pain. It is at this time that I ask all and anybody out there to pray for them. This can be our Christmas gift and even if this person may never know, Our Loving and Merciful Father will hear our prayers and bring healing. There is an end to the darkness, "In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us"

The King shall come when morning dawns
And light triumphant breaks,
When beauty gilds the eastern hills
And life to joy awakes.

Not as of old a little child,
To bear and fight and die,
But crowned with glory like the sun
That lights the morning sky.

Oh, brighter than the rising morn
When Christ, victorious, rose
And left the lonesome place of death
Despite the rage of foes.

Oh, brighter than that glorious morn
Shall dawn upon our race
The day when Christ in splendor comes
And we shall see his face.

The King shall come when morning dawns
And light and beauty brings.
Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray:
Come quickly, King of kings.