Joy has left the building...

Today Rob spoke about Joy. About the angels who came and announced the birth of baby Jesus; the angels who instructed to fear not, because they brought great tidings of joy. He talked about the relationship between joy and fear -- that if joy came to a party, fear would leave. And vice versa. Because the two cannot exist in the same room.

So I drove home. Contemplating joy, and this Advent season during which we wait expectantly for the coming of our King and the joyous celebration that this involves.

And then I reached home, and read this on nytimes.com. And joy left the room quite quickly.

I was with YWAM for a couple years. It was a wonderful experience, and it allowed me to see and do things that I would have never thought possible. I know the hearts of the people who work, volunteer, and study with the organization. And I know they are passionate, committed, Christ-followers who desire nothing more than for the world to know that there is a God who loves them. They seek to share joy -- often with those who have never known it in their lives.

It is difficult to digest a situation like this, knowing the things I have shared with you about the mission of the organization and its people. As with the shooting in Omaha, and so many others like it, it doesn't seem fair, right, or logical.

So to the families and friends of the victims, to all those associated with YWAM and the greater missions' community, to those whose lives have been tainted by fear and tragedy, we pray for joy...rich, deep, glorious joy...that would spring from the very depths of your beings and shine a light amidst this present darkness. Peace be with you...