Lord Have Mercy

My oldest son and I were talking about the war in Gaza today, when he made the most profound observation: "Dad," he said, "If there is only one human race, then all wars are really just a Civil War, a war against ourselves, like a family trying to hurt itself." I was deeply moved by the great insight. Perhaps this is why nearly all faiths have always seen children as being far closer to truth than most adults.

Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers. Now, more than ever, we need some of these peacemakers around. Last night, the Fourth Day of Christmas was the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents, the remembering of the young male children who were massacered by Herod in an attempt to destroy the baby Jesus. On the Commemoration of the Innocents, we are encouraged to pray for children endangered by neglect, abuse, poverty, war, and abortion. Surely among these would be the children of Gaza and Israel. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

In Christ,

Eddie Bromley, pastor of Grace Church, United Methodist Congregation