We really don't understand why tragedies happen in this world. How can someone be so depraved to shoot children? Or anyone?? My heart goes out to those families in Connecticut who will be forever changed by this horrible, selfish act.

Man is inherently evil. Even the 'good' ones. We tend to abuse and destroy everything we touch. Look at what we've done to our bodies?! To our natural resources!! The Bible says there are none that are righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). Good by our own standards just isn't good enough. That is why we need a Savior.

Think of the best person you know. Wonder if they've ever lied, or cheated on a test (or a spouse), hated someone so much they said they wished they were dead? That's me, I have, and maybe you have too. Sin isn't judged on some sort of sliding scale. There's nothing that can take the ugliness out of our hearts except filling it with something beautiful and pure. That something is Jesus. He is the only way we can be reconciled to God (John 14:6). He is the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). And for me, personally, He is the only reason I can look at the tragedies in this world and still have hope. I know that one day, my work here will be done, and I'm not going to have to see tragedies like these unfold. I'm not going to have to suffer and deal with pain every day in this dying body. One day, He will wipe away every tear from my eyes. These are the things that get me through.

I don't judge anyone based on their religious views. I pray for them all the same. My nephew is an atheist. He believes we are all just going to be 'worm food' when we die. It isn't within my power to change his heart, but I still pray for him. And I answered his worm-food reference with this: If I'm wrong and I'm just worm food, I'll never know. But in this life, I had hope. But If I'm Right, when you die, you WILL know, and you've lived with no hope. I choose hope.

I believe those babies in Connecticut are with the Lord. I hope their families have the hope that is found in Christ. And I pray that we are all thankful that our families weren't touched by such a tragedy this Christmas.