The following communication went out to the parents of San Gabriel Christian School. I thought it would be good for the church family to see the response sent to her school. You may also be interested in these two articles: Al Mohler, Shepherd Press. *** Dear Parents, The recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut are horrifying and tragic. We are all saddened by the loss of innocent life–especially of the 20 children. We know our school community has been deeply affected. In light of this, we wanted to briefly share some crucial things with you. First, while no precautions can avert every catastrophe, SGCS has clear and effective procedures in place to help protect those on our campus. In light of last Friday, these have been revisited and reviewed. We think it important for you and your family to be assured of this. Second, you may want to consider keeping your children from the media barrage. Much that is being reported is speculative, sensational and unhelpful. Rather than having your children absorbing news reports, it would be better to have them talking with you about what has happened. Finally and most importantly, the Bible speaks to the issues that arise from the Sandy Hook tragedy. We understand that such events take place because there is sin in the human heart. The Scriptures tell us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9); and again, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The lasting solution to the kind of tragedy that just confronted us is not new legislation, or skilled grief counseling, or more safety procedures. The ultimate solution is the Gospel, because there we find God providing a remedy for sin, and transforming the human heart. Our deepest need is dealing with our sin problem, and this God has done by sending his own Son into the world to pay the penalty of sin on the cross for all who will believe and making them a new people–a people who have an eternity secure with him that can not be touched by any circumstance in this world. This is the real message of Christmas. When the angel appeared to Joseph, he instructed him to give the baby the name Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) And when the angel appeared to the shepherds that first Christmas night, his message was, “I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11). Because of who Jesus Christ is, and the death he paid on the cross for sin, it is possible for us to have peace–real peace. In fact, the Bible calls Jesus “the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6). Turning to Christ in faith makes this peace possible: “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) There is of course so much more that can be said. The Bible deals clearly with matters of justice, God’s goodness in a world marked with evil, and the other difficult issues that come to mind when we are confronted by such circumstances. If you would like to discuss what the Scriptures have to say about these or other areas, or some suggestions on how to talk with your children about what has happened, please do not hesitate to contact us. One of our pastors or other staff members would be privileged to share with you. We believe the Bible holds the answers to our deepest questions, and Christ is able to bring healing to the aching heart. Our prayer is that the truth of the Gospel will bring peace to you and your children this Christmas season. In Christ, Pastor Greg Golden School Superintendent
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