From an email newsletter dated December 23, 2004:
The ancient city of Nineveh is in the news today. Modern day Mosul experienced the largest single coalition casualty event in the war we call “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” An explosion in a dining facility killed more than twenty and injured more than sixty people. Many were U.S. soldiers; some were U.S. and Third Country National civilians. Every death is a tragedy as it reminds us of the price of the sin of Eden. To have so many die during the Holy Season of Christmas seems to deepen the pain of grief, but as the Command Chaplain for the Multinational Corps forces in Iraq, I was deeply satisfied at the response of our chaplain teams. Immediately, they arrived and began crisis ministry taking care of wounded, giving Last Rites or Prayers for the dead, consoling the traumatized, and providing spiritual nurture and encouragement to all in the midst of tremendous chaos.
I can’t help but wonder on a larger scale isn’t this the ultimate result of the Christmas story? God coming in the midst of human tragedy to provide loving care to wounded hearts, consolation to grieving souls, and abiding encouragement in the hope that there stands over the human drama of life a ray of light emanating from a star. A star that bodes for us all an ultimate peace in his love. A love so simple and pure as to find itself in the bosom of a Babe in Bethlehem. Out of the awful traumas of humanity, he is indeed the Hope of the world. May this Christmas carry more meaning for us as the Light of the World helps us see more clearly the hope that lies ahead Peace on earth and goodwill among mankind.
Lord, in today’s troubled world, may we look to you as our Prince of Peace, the only source of true comfort.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)