The problem of sin and its inextricable nature of violence in man has been a part of mankind's history since the fall of man and will continue to be a part of man's history. Many atrocities have been waged in the name of God and many atrocities have been waged in the name of atheism. The reality of violence as a part of the nature of mankind is a tribute to the fallen nature of man and as many good things as we attempt to accomplish, the reality is that we can not change mans nature. It is an utter tragedy that the most innocent suffer the most egregious acts and it is certainly not what God ever intended, yet He continues to allow us to be what we are - free to choose and free to fail when we choose the wrong things. However the message of Christmas is a message of hope that although our nature in unchangeable and although are choices are at some level atrocious, the power of grace is able to redeem us in spite of ourselves. My prayers are with all of those families who are suffering the most painful of losses and my prayer for them is that they will see themselves through a journey that proves that God will work out all of these things for the good of those who love HIm and are called according to His purpose.