John the Baptist cries out in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord," quoting the prophet Isaiah, and proclaiming a message of repentance and preparation that is meant to serve as word of comfort and not of fear. Because the prophet Isaiah was speaking to people who were oppressed, suffering, scared, longing for redemption and salvation. In the wake of yesterday's horrific school shooting, we are also Advent people who are suffering, scared, and longing for salvation. We are in grief and in pain, and we cry out to God that we might see some glimmer of his light in this present darkness.

Kurt Bestor's song "Prayer of the Children" has been circulating Facebook and Twitter and email, and it is indeed an apt song for this time and this place. I'd encourage you to read the story behind the song. Then, as you listen to the song, let it be your Advent prayer of lament, of longing, and your hope for peace in our world. "Comfort, O comfort my people," says your God. May we all be beacons of hope, peace, and light in this darkened world.



Prayer of the Children
by Kurt Bestor

Can you hear the prayer of the children?
On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room
Empty eyes with no more tears to cry
Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying Jesus, help me
To see the morning light-of one more day
But if I should die before I wake,
I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children?
Aching for home, for something of their very own
Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to,
But hope for a better day a better day

Crying Jesus, help me
To feel the love again in my own land
But if unknown roads lead away from home,
Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children?
Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world?
Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate,
Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying Jesus, help me
To feel the sun again upon my face,
For when darkness clears I know you're near,
Bringing peace again

Dali cujete sve djecje molitive? (Croatian translation: 'Can you hear all the children's prayers?')
Can you hear the prayer of the children?