Tonight was the annual Christmas Remembrance Service that I began with a small group of people over 17 years ago. We gathered in a special way to honour those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Also present tonight was the family whose son was killed in a boating accident. They have come several years in a row now--a large group of family members and friends, glued together through the unspeakable tragedy. There is the grandmother and grandson who come, ten years now, grieving the death of their daughter/mother. One family literally bears the scars of the suicide of their son who in his anguish slashed out to hurt someone else as well as himself.
Marking the 20th anniversary of my sister's death this Christmas, I brought many lives well-lived to the wreath we lit tonight. If I were really to consider what my journey has been, I would, like Voskamp, be unable to stand. As I type this, I listen to my friend Steve Bell, singing the John Michael Talbot, Magnifat (Holy is His Name)and I feel the tears well up. The next song up is The Angel Gabriel. Be not afraid! We have been answered and promised. In these dark days of sorrow for so many of us we must stay the course and remain on the path of peace. Perhaps like Ann we can only sit and pray that someone will help us rise and stand before we can take another step on the journey of grief.
When I started the Circle of Light/Circle of Love Service I had no idea that we would still be bringing comfort to people 18 years later. I would not have guessed that we would remember world tragedies as well as the local ones. A couple of years ago I questioned whether the service still have merit. I no longer ask that. I know that the end will come when God is done using it for healing. In the meantime, I pray to be a faithful servant.
Peace,
Suzanne
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