Section 3: The Light Dawns
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas Day, prepare your heart to read this familiar story through fresh eyes. Notice how light is present, from the star above the city of Bethlehem to the glory of God represented by the angels. Discover anew the dawning of the promised Light of the World in a baby boy born to a virgin, placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
These lyrics are from an old hymn titled, “Blessed Assurance,” penned from the heart of a woman named Fanny Crosby. Fanny, who was blind from birth, was one of the most prolific hymn writers to ever live, composing more than 8,000 songs. Though she spent her entire childhood and adult life without sight, she wrote boldly about the blessed assurance found in the light of Christ.
Long before Fanny Crosby penned this hymn, the prophet Isaiah wrote of another blessed assurance—a light of hope to come for the people of God walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy declared that the people of God would soon have a new story and a new song to point them toward praising their Savior. Isaiah wrote,
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before you
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
For you have shattered their oppressive yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor…
—Isaiah 9:2–4
Maybe, like me, you read those words and wonder what exactly was this darkness oppressing God’s people. Isaiah prophesied at a time marked by destruction and devastation. God’s people were experiencing an inescapable, prolonged suffering and mistreatment at the hands of the Assyrians. They were drenched with desperation and longing; waiting and clinging to God’s promise of a light to come, though it felt like the darkness around them had won.
Is this you today? Do you feel the heaviness of darkness, living in a broken world?
You and I are reminded every day of the physical and spiritual darkness that still surrounds us though the Light has come (Matthew 4:16). And it can feel like darkness is winning. For some of us, it’s battling physical or mental illness. For others, it’s the recent loss of a loved one, and for many of us, it’s the darkness of our own sins that we run back to over and over again.
Advent reminds us that whatever darkness surrounds us, the promise of Isaiah still rings true, like a sweet, reassuring melody that whispers, “It won’t always be this way.” The season of Advent announces our blessed assurance—the Light has come, and will come again to ultimately and completely extinguish darkness. Forever.
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80 thoughts on "Light Overcomes the Darkness"
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Thank you lord for your li hing n bed
Lord thank you for being the light throughout turbulent times and immense darkness lord you are good and we thank you.
Lord you are good and you are great you are the king of kings and lord and lord and we worship you on today let your annoiting reign and saturate our lives and our houses of worship lord have your way lord remove anything from us that should not be that would hinder your worship your move your annoiting lord we declare and decree healing restoration prosperity debt cancellation provision all that you have for us lord we receive it lord we rebuke and bind the enemy lord in the name of Jesus no weapon formed against us shall not prosper in Jesus name bless our leaders of our ministries lord and we will forever give your name the praise we honor you lord and reverance you lord and we declare and decree it is in Jesus name! Hallelujah!
Meagan, I am praying for your daily battle with darkness. That you not only see the light of God each day, but that you are a light unto those you encounter every day! May the power of God be with you and all those who are in your same situation.
As a fellow nurse who has been around the block a couple times. Keep the lord with you when you walk into the dark hospital walls. There is great light at work and it shines from us. Covid has made it dark but it isn’t always. This too shall pass! It’s so hard not to have our hearts hardened from work but keep up the good work!
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As a recent graduate and new nurse, I feel like I’m surrounded by darkness every time I go to work. I’m a night shift nurse which brings its own set of challenges, but I feel the weight of Covid, unsafe staffing, and figuring out how to love those that aren’t always easy to love every time i step foot into the hospital. This was such a good reminder going into the new year that it isn’t always dark, light is coming and I can hold onto the hope that is Jesus!
The phrase “ and there will be no gloom for her who lived in darkness.” -Isaiah 9:1a. This sort of spoke to me, a promise to be delivered from the painful mental illness of depression and anxiety. I will cling to that
Mari V I live in Mexico and I love the posada tradition in small towns. Active reminder to invite our brothers and sisters in just as we would Jesus.
I’m behind and I’m trying to catch up. This brought to mind people that I know that are struggling with physical illness, mental illness, the loss of loved ones, and my own sins that I run back to over and over. My heart hurts and my spirit weeps in empathy and prayer. Thank God “though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness the Lord will be my light!”
I’m so grateful for God who” Will hide me under the cover of his tent and sent me high on a rock!”
I’m behind and I’m trying to catch up. This brought to mind people that I know that are struggling with physical illness, mental illness, the loss of loved ones, and my own sins that I run back to over and over. My heart hurts and my spirit weeps in empathy and prayer. Thank God though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness the Lord will be my light!
Oh wow – praying for you.
Yes!! ❤️
I needed to be reminded of this today. Darkness may come for a time but it can’t stay!! Thank You, Jesus!
Love this message!
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It amazes me that a woman born to darkness can write such beautiful songs about the light. There is no way should could have accomplished that without the light of Jesus ❤️. Neither can we escape the darkness in this world without Him. Just knowing He is on our side gives me such joy and hope!
The LORD is my light & salvation. Whom shall I fear? I am so distracted by Christmas (gift giving) that I lose sight of Christ. Forgive me, LORD. May I see Your Light throughout the day and reflect Your Light to those around me. ❤️
Beautiful!
The part of “It won’t always be this way” was my blessed assurance that the pain I feel today won’t always be there. Thank you for sharing this scripture to carry me through today. I pray I can see the light not only in my current situation but to help others see the light as well!
So sorry for your loss. I be praying for you this morning, Karen. This scripture was very uplifting this morning and it blessed me too. I pray that the darkness around you will only be here for a time of mourning. And that it will make Jesus shine all the more.❤️
Sometimes I feel like the issues I’m facing are so minor compared to many (and even many here in this place) but then I am reminded that Jesus cares about everything. I too am feeling the darkness this season, wondering what 2020 will bring and trying to trust God. I’m exhausted from a very hard 6 months and I know that plays into these feelings but I do feel the darkness and unrest this season.
I’m so sorry for your loss Karen. So very sorry. Praying for peace and comfort as you walk through celebrating and mourning your mother.
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Today’s scripture reading/ devotion reminds me of Jesus’s words in Revelation 21:5 – “Behold, I am making all things new.” What a beautiful statement! May my words/ actions/ choices reflect the truth of His words. May I live focused on the unseen eternity rather than what I can see right now with my earthly eyes.
It’s always a delight when God speaks to me through this study. Today’s reading hit home as my husband and I have been feeling like darkness is all around us and has been for some time. But we see the light and just know that it can only get better and brighter from here. Advent Day 19. #shereadstruth #shereadstruthbiblestudy #shereadstruthbible #csb @jccsbsrt
It’s always a delight when God speaks to me through this study. Today’s reading hit home as my husband and I have been feeling like darkness is all around us and has been for some time. But we see the light and just know that it can only get better and brighter from here. Advent Day 19. #shereadstruth #shereadstruthbiblestudy #shereadstruthbible #csb
Micah 7:8 is my war cry! “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
This is my first advent with SRT. This is amazing
The devotional by Oghosa Iyama of the SRT team rocked my soul this morning. The hymn, “Blessed Assurance”, took me back to my Grandma’s little country church & the choir singing the ole time spirituals. Thanks, Ms. Iyama, for making this song a centerpiece of your writing today & citing the powerful & prolific hymnist Fannie Crosby. Though blind, lady Crosby saw the brilliance of the Lord & used her absence of physical sight to shed a marvelous light to the world through music. Thanks too, Ms. Iyama, for reminding us, actually me, to stop pursuing our sins from the past, over & over again. As Tina said in my Advent 2020 Study Book notes: “If God is in the business of making all things new, let’s let Him get on with His job!” Light a candle & Pray it so. And May we see more devotionals penned by Ms. Iyama in the coming days & years. Thanks be to God.
It won’t always be like this! The light has come and dawned on the people!!
This may top my list of best Advent devotions.♥️
I loved this devotional today. As I was reading it, I felt guilty for a sin that I keep struggling with. I know that the light in me is stronger than this sin and it won’t always be this way. I’m sorry excited to celebrate this wonderful Christmas season with you all! Have a great Friday!❤️
Praying for you, Lolly, to experience once again the joy of your salvation!❤️
Thank you Oghosa for such a beautifully written devotional this morning. It spoke right into my heart. I’ve been so blue this season & the same sins seem to plague me time & again. Thank you for sharing Jesus’s Light so well.
My sister is a teacher’s assistant for special needs children. It’s so dark there too. I join in with you, my Sisters, to pray for our teachers and students.
Hugs & love to all y’all
Jennifer Chiavinira(misspelled) wrote Christmas Bells which is the story of this Christmas hymn. I love listening to this book during Advent.
Angie loved what you said. Decided to look up the full quote you were talking about and WOW!! it is powerful. For anyone who wants to read the whole thing here is the website, you will have to scroll down a bit to read it, https://www.epm.org/blog/2021/Aug/4/feel-sorry-fear-kids.
Be blessed with the assurance that Jesus is yours today and always sisters.
ERB wonderful news! I will continue to pray. Lexi B and Sarah, continuing to pray for you too
Angie thank you for sharing this book and message with us and thank you for what you do. I have been looking for good Christian books to read to my little one even while he is in the womb. It is disconcerting that a generation that grew up knowing at least some Bible stories and where more people went to church raised up a next generation that does not. I wonder how that can happen, I guess it just shows that just because someone knows something of the Gospel or goes to church does not mean that their children automatically will choose that way. I pray and ask for prayers for our little one that he will not only be strengthened and born healthy next year but also that God will show us how to raise him in such a way as to truly know Him. Bless you all!
Lord help my eyes be fixed on you so that I might experience this rejoicing in you. Amen
HOPE, I love what you wrote and truly appreciate you doing the research!! I have a whole new understanding now because of what you shared!! Thank you!!
@Angie. Thank you so much for your post. I have the Ann Graham Bells book but I don’t know if I ever read it… I will start today with my grandsons! And thank you for loving on your students. Our schools are a mission field and you are there for such a time as this!! May God continue to draw others to His light shining through you!!! And lastly thank you for the Facebook post ! I believe it!! God is raising up this next generation. I have been blessed with 5 grandsons in the last 5 years!! All born to parents who will train them up. I really believe God is bringing them to be men of God which this world needs right now!!! Blessings to you my sister.
I also work at a public school. And just this week on Tuesday we “practiced“ a lockdown drill. And ironically the next day we had an “actual“ lockdown. Thankfully it was not a shooter and it was handled right away. Police was there immediately! I work with kindergartners and they are the most amazing little people. They knew exactly what to do. I was in the corner with three other little ones and we whispered and one or two girls wanted to stay close to me. I love these little ones so much. I’m sad that we’re having to practice and then actually having to experience this. I am thankful it wasn’t anything serious.
Good morning dear sisters!
Light always overcomes darkness! Jesus is our light and salvation, and He offers us a place to hide when the world gets too much for us. So.. why don’t we go to Him more? Make a plan to go to Jesus today, instead of ignoring Him
I love you, dear sisters. Jesus does too
Surely when I turn my eyes from Jesus the darkness of this world seems overwhelming. Despair can so easily descend. Oh but when I keep my eyes on Jesus His Light dispels the darkness and hope is restored. I remember He will deliver on every one of His promises. No one can thwart His plan. And that gives me peace.
In the study book, it briefly gave a description oh where ModernChristmas Caroling came from. It reminded me all the time when I was a little girl and went to Mexico during Christmas time and experienced the Posadas. Which means shelter or inn. Individuals would dress up as Mary and Joseph and shepherds would follow and they would be knocking on doors seeking shelter. They would sing this really neat song. Then finally the house that was designated to take them would have a really nice gathering of Mexican specialty food and drinks. Pretty much the whole small town was invited. This was a lovely place in Mexico. I remember how special that was. And if I concentrate I can still “hear” at least the two other songs that they sang. This was a really wonderful memory.
I’m a 3rd grade teacher in public school also, I’ve never heard of the book you mentioned but am ordering it now!
Angie I am so glad that you are present to be light for the children and families in your classroom. My prayers go with you this morning as they out also for Traci, Lexi, Sarah and ERB’s Brother.
Wow, so much to take in and to speak on this morning. Right this moment, the song by Casting Crowns “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” is one of my all-time favorites. Talking of peace on earth, goodwill to men. Doesn’t seem like it much these days, well really throughout history. I think as Americans we have been a little spoiled in peace and merriment the last 40 or so years overall, but now, we Christians see so much darkness. And I too Angie, just are so concerned for our youth. I have grandchildren, and have said on here before, it’s shocking that they don’t know stories of the bible that even in our day non-church going kids knew such as Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the whale, David in the fire-pit, Joseph and colorful coat…and for goodness sake…Who Eve is??!! When I said something about Jesus, she said “oh we can’t say that in school!” She was in pre-school then.
I tried to get as much “Jesus” into them as I could when they would spend the night (lol), but now we have moved away and don’t get that time anymore. The oldest is in eighth grade and will be in High School next year, it should be so wonderful for these kids, but instead, we (Christians) are just filled with dread for them, which is sad.
All we can do is stay filled with the light, and hopefully direct it to others, pray, and share. I invited one of my best friends to church (twice now) and it was the first time her 8-year-old has been. If I can get those seeds planted. She (and her mom) hear christian music always playing on my radio when they are over visiting or in my car.
My son is here visiting for Christmas (yay! for a week!) and he is in college. And talk about the secular teachings there (yikes, even worse), so I pray for him often. He now listens to one of his teachers on podcasts but said, Yeah YOU probably wouldn’t like it, so no telling what is feeling his head. I’m trusting Jesus from the verse of “raising them upright and they will come back” (paraphrasing)
I am also praying for those poor kids and families with the shootings.
See Angie- you got me off on a tangent as well when I was going to talk about something else totally!! lol So sorry for the length- But people can skip what they want! ;)
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Zebulun and Naphtali are mentioned in today’s reading. I did some digging and, from what I understand, because of their location, this area of Isreal was where Assyria chose to march through on their way to attack and conquer other areas of the kingdom. So the people of this area would have seen a lot of bloodshed and hardships over a 130 year period. That’s a whole lot of darkness. So when Isaiah prophesied about them living in darkness, he really meant it.
Jesus grew up in this region and began His ministry here. How beautiful is that?
Matthew 4: 15-16 “Land of Zebulun and Land of Naphtali, along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
God is beautifully trustworthy and true.
The people, walking in darkness have seen a great light! Today we heard this scripture repeated 3 times. In scripture I know that when God repeats himself 3 times it is a sign that he will surely do what he declares. Blessed Assurance indeed! Praising God this morning for his continuing pursuit of our hearts.
From Jesus Calling today;
“Come to ME with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in ME you are complete. As you rest quietly in MY presence, MY light within you grows brighter and brighter.”
Loved this devotional and biblical reading today – psalm 27 :1 is one of my favourites,
always reminds me – when I am afraid to pursue what God is asking me to do, whom shall I be afraid ? I have God. And that’s all that really matters (Paraphrased lol)
Loved this devotional and biblical reading today – psalm 27 :1 is one of my favourites, always reminds me when I am afraid to pursue what God is asking me to do, whom shall I be afraid ? I have God. (Paraphrased lol)
As I was reading today’s scriptures I was singing Fanny Cosby’s song, “Blessed Assurance”; for it is my story! I was living in a life of darkness and dispear, then a light dawned and overcame the dark shadows. It filled me with joy; rejoicing over my salvation. Darkness make come, it may loom and threaten to overtake me. At times I feel it’s oppression, when I truly feels like it will overtake me, surely it will not! For the Lord is my light and my salvation; the darkness is as light to Him. I am a child of the light, so it will never overtake me! The Lord is a constant light to me! I will sing of His praises all the day long!
For those who are feeling the heaviness of the darkness, whether in the world at large, within your own sphere or right there where you live, please take heart today: you are daughters of the light. Great is God’s faithfulness, there’s no shadow of turning with Him. You are a great and beautiful part of Jesus’ story. Sing and speak praises to Him and watch The Light pierce through the darkness! ❤️
As I was reading today’s scriptures I was singing Fanny Cosby’s song, “Blessed Assurance”; for it is my story! I was living in a life of darkness and dispear, then a light dawned and overcame the dark shadows. It filled me with joy; rejoicing over my salvation. Darkness make come, it may loom and threaten to overtake me. At times I feel it’s oppression, when I truly feels like it will overtake me, surely it will not! For the Lord is my light and my salvation; the darkness is as light to Him. I am a child of the light, so it will never overtake me! The Lord is a constant light to me! I will sing of His praises all the day long!
For those who are feeling the heaviness of the darkness, whether in the world at large, within your own sphere or right there where you live, please take heart today: you are daughters of the light. This is your story
Thankful for the blessed assurance we find in none other than Jesus! Echoing the prayers of others for our schools and school children. It is so heartbreaking to see all the evil and danger in our schools. Lord in your power drive out the evil and let in your LIGHT!
As I was reading today’s scriptures I was singing Fanny Cosby’s song, “Blessed Assurance”; for it is my story! I was living in a life of darkness and dispear, then a light dawned and overcame the dark shadows. It filled me with joy; rejoicing over my salvation. Darkness make come, it may loom and threaten to overtake me. At times I feel it’s oppression, when I truly feels like it will overtake me, surely it will not! For the Lord is my light and my salvation; the darkness is as light to Him. I am a child of the light, so it will never overtake me! The Lord is a constant light to me! I will sing of His praises all the day long!
Angie, your words resonated with a situation my great niece is dealing with at her school. I can’t imagine going through what she is, and only in the 7th grade!! Her father is a pastor and she is being raised to be a light in the darkness. Our children are dealing with adult-level situations!! They are in their own type of “war-zone”. I copied and sent part of your reply to my nephew. We all need encouraging words, someone praying for us, and reminders of that blessed assurance!
Also, I love it when my eyes are opened! I had not realized the tie between this hymn and the Advent Season/ prophecy!
Psalm 27:1 is one of my favorite verses of all time!
Psalm 27 was exactly what I needed this morning.
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Lord that I dwell in your House all the days of my life. Let it bring others in who are heavy on my heart. In Jesus name, amen.
@ANGIE – thank you for the reminder! I have been surprised at how many families in our school don’t attend church. That was a normal practice growing up and it seemed everyone at least went on Sundays. I’m not that old, but it’s changed quite a bit. I need to push to keep repeating the old, old story of Jesus and His love. Our girls have heard, but they can hear it all again. May they be light in the darkness! That is my prayer as they love their friends.
Angie, thank you for “rambling” (I.e. sharing your heart) this morning! I have been absent from my devotions for weeks and filling more and more with fear for my 8 and 5 year old girls. Then, the hope of this study and the reality and application of your thoughts…just what my heart needed! Back to the basics of Bible study at home!❤
As someone with a chronic Illness that regularly reveals my own weakness, these passages were a gift and something to keep close to my heart.
Thank you Dana (and Kristen) for your prayers for our schools, our children, and their families. I pray with you, daily.
About 10 days ago we had 12 students arrested at our high school. They were planning an attack. It was very detailed (names, student schedules, teachers, etc.). Someone in the group was bragging online about what was about to be done and other students from our school happened upon it, alerting authorities. Then last week a middle schooler was involved with a gun threat to students at school. We are a public school. But, our school would be one that families would normally chose. In my classroom of 8 year olds the darkness pressing in is intense. I share light and love with the children, and their families, as I am able. Every year I read Ruth Graham Bell’s book, One Wintry Night, aloud. It is a fictional picture/chapter book that goes from creation to the resurrection, but is told as if it is a story to a little mountain boy. I use the illustrations and text to teach writing in various parts. (If I chose one book, other than my Bible, it is the one I’d chose.) Usually most of the children can name the characters coming up – Noah, Sampson, Moses – this year I have maybe 3 children who know a couple. I guess I share that because I see the absence in my students of even knowledge of the Bible story parts. I know there are so many things to be involved with, my concern is that the most important ones are being left out.
I believe one of the most important things we did with our kiddos was go to Bible Study fellowship together until they hit junior high. They studied the same scripture we did daily. They often needed help with it early on, which allowed for talking, sharing, learning about what really matters. I doubt those times would stick out in our sons memories but, I believe they were foundational. My encouragement would be to MAKE time to study God’s Word with your kiddos. Don’t count on their Sunday morning teacher or even Christian private school to cover it. God’s Word is their foundation. Be a part of building that foundation for them and yourself.
At the same time I praise God. As crazy and dark as things can seem – it is no surprise to God. Our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. We can trust Him. I saw a post on Facebook that started…”Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids/grandkids because the world they are going to grow up in is a world that is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident. Raise them up to…(then it goes on to talk about training, teaching, empowering our Daniels, Esthers, and Peters). It is long but beautifully challenges us not to allow fear to steal the greatness God has placed on them – on us…for “such a time as this.”
Sorry…rambling today – I’m sort of passionate about Jesus and kiddos.
Let’s light up this world for Jesus.
Praise God for your passion for God and kiddos…..keep beaming His light in darkness!
How fantabulous your passion for our youth… keep shining brightly
I am thankful for the Hope and knowledge that there will be a time with no darkness, sadness, or fear around us. Psalm 27: 1-6 reminded me of the song Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin – it is a good one for times like this.
ERB – good news! Will continue to pray for your Brother and the others.
JEANNA FLASHNER – good question yesterday. I know the Greek word for “spirit” can also mean “wind” and in Gen. 2:7 it says that God breathed the “breath” of life into Adam. The same Hebrew word for “breath” is used in Job 33:4. Some places it is translated as “spirit” like in Prov. 20:27. So I am concluding there is a connection to God’s creation and re-creation of us through His Spirit.
Dana- yes please Jesus. Some of my kids now are learning remotely again due to all the threats that they may be hurt. It’s so sad. Heart breaking. The darkness seems so overwhelming right now Please Hid help us Pray for the parents of the children who were killed senselessly only 2 weeks ago. I can’t imagine this season for them
Let this be on our lips as we fight in the spirit! “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will stand up;though I sit in darkness,the Lord will be my light.”
Praying for the requests made yesterday. LEXI B and SARAH BUCKHARD so sorry for your losses.
OVERJOYED to say that my brother passed his big test yesterday with a grade of 100%!!!! He wasn’t expecting this at all!!! So for those of you who prayed for him, THANK YOU, all your prayers were answered!!! Today he has a HUGE test worth 15% of his grade and he is asking for prayer once again!! Will you please pray with me?
Praying for all of you dear sisters and your requests, spoken and unspoken!! Much love, blessings and Light be upon you!! Xoxo
Dana, I am a teacher and I am in agreement with your prayer. May God in His mercy please stop all evil, and please protect us from any harm. and draw All (children and adults) to Him. May they be forever changed and saved and may praises arise unto Him.Amen.
Amen!
Praying for you @Tracy Gendron and your precious son this Christmas. Also praying for all of you sisters in Christ this Advent season leading up to Christmas just a week away.
My grandmother loved the hymn blessed assurance and would sing it while doing her baking. Ahhhh memories!
Things certainly do feel heavy tonight with the threats to schools all over the country. I don’t understand what’s happened to us; why must our kids be subjected to this? My heart breaks for my teen and their peers. At a time when they should be focused on learning, having fun and getting ready to go out and make their mark on the world, they instead have to wonder what might happen at school; what evil might be lurking. Please sweet Jesus calm the storm. Protect our children and return their innocence. May each and every one turn to You and Trust in You. And remind this mama’s heart to have the strength to do the same. Amen.