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My final Christmas preparations were made with a heavy heart as I was constantly mindful of the children in Sandy Hook who would never see Christmas morning and their families whose lives were senselessly shattered on December 14th. One of my brothers read a beautiful blessing that he wrote for Christmas dinner, giving voice to our shared sorrow and offering hope in our faith. The following is an excerpt from that prayer:

Jesus entered the world in a stable
to save & to love; we gather at His table.
We now remember 26 dearly departed
and the weight of sorrow this darkness has started.

Our tears and prayers for families that weep,
consoled in faith, in Christ’s arms their angels sleep.

Forgiveness, kindness, love and more,
His gifts to us, which will heal and endure.

Christ’s birth reminds us of the blessings that await
as His love for us continues at His heavenly gate.
~Michael Shea

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