A Call to Prayer for the Tragedy at

Abundant Life Christian School

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are in the third week of Advent, which is marked by rejoicing as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a time when we ought to lift our hearts in joy and anticipation of the promises God has given us through the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World.

But today, this season of joy has been invaded by sorrow and outrage at the news of the school shooting in Madison. Our hearts grieve for those affected by the violence at Abundant Life Christian School, for the victims, their families, the school community, and the wider Madison area. In truth, each of us is affected. And we all grieve.

Advent is also a season in which we remember that the work begun in the coming of Jesus is not finished. The kingdom of God—the Peaceable Kingdom—is yet to come. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). But, in this meantime, there is still plenty of darkness, too much violence, and too much pain.

But we are called to not give into fear or the hardening of our hearts.

We are called to hold both joy and sorrow in our hearts, trusting that God’s presence can bring comfort in the midst of pain.

We are called to stand with those who suffer, offering not just our prayers but our hands and hearts in service.

We are called to walk the way of Christ, which is the way of love, joy, peace, and hope.

We are called to remember that Advent is not only about waiting for Christ’s coming but also about actively embodying His love and mercy in a broken world in the meantime.

I invite you to pray for the victims of the tragedy, for the families affected, for the first responders, and for the clergy and pastoral leaders in these communities who are offering comfort in these difficult days. Pray as well that we as a nation find the will to address the evil scourge of gun violence. Pray that we, as a church, might find ways to channel our outrage toward addressing that scourge.

This is a season not only of joyful anticipation but also of great responsibility—to share God’s peace, to pray for healing, to offer hope, and to be agents of reconciliation and repair. The world is full of suffering, my friends, and today, it is even closer to home. If joy feels farther away this week, that is okay. Continue to sink your heart into the heart of God in prayer. Lean into the promise of Christ’s presence in the midst of it all and be inspired to be a source of peace and healing in the world.

Under the Mercy,