Family Discussion: Persons of Interest

The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.

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Authorities are investigating mass shootings in Rhode Island and Australia.

On Saturday afternoon, a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He killed two students and injured at least nine others inside an engineering building. Police took a suspect into custody Sunday morning but later released him. The FBI is offering a reward for information about the person of interest.

The next morning in Sydney, Australia, there was a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. At least 16 people were killed, and more than 40 were injured. Father and son shooters targeted more than 1,000 Jewish people gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Police shot both gunmen at the scene, killing one. Police also found and removed bombs from a nearby vehicle.

A 43-year-old shop owner is being praised for his bravery. Video shows Ahmed al Ahmed tackling one of the shooters and taking his weapon. Ahmed is recovering from gunshot wounds.

Australia’s prime minister says the attackers were motivated by ideas from the Islamic State, an extremist group. This was the country’s largest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.

PRAY WITH US

Heavenly Father, draw near to Australia and Rhode Island with comfort for those who are mourning. Heal the critically wounded and traumatized. Give governments wisdom to respond and bring justice. Hasten the coming of your Kingdom, where hatreds cease, and tears are no more. Amen.

REFLECT

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?

Stories like these interrupt Christmas cheer with the inescapable darkness of this world. But darkness and violence aren’t incompatible with Christmas—they’re the reason for it. Jesus was born during the rule of a violent king and forced into exile in Egypt, only to suffer violence at the hands of His own people (and their oppressors) at the cross.

Emmanuel enters into our darkness to overcome it (John 1:5). His mission is to “disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.” When He died and rose again, evil lost its power (Colossians 2:15). And soon, He’ll banish its presence forever.

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?

Your kids can be part of pushing back darkness. Ahmed’s bravery is a spot of brightness in a tragic situation. Although most of us will never be confronted with a shooter to tackle, we have small opportunities every day to shine light in bleak places—a kind word for a friend being bullied; an expression of gratitude to interrupt a cycle of complaining; a gentle response to a harshly spoken word; a compassionate prayer for those who are mourning this season.

Pushing back darkness takes courage. Pray that the Spirit would empower us for His work.

RESPOND

• Sit, listen, and mediate on the song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” together.

• Memorize John 1:4-5, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it” (CSB).

• Pray for the communities affected by these tragedies to know the comfort of Emmanuel and pray for courage to push back darkness in your own community.

Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Brown and Bondi Beach." December 18, 2025.