Why do bad things happen to good people?

This is among the first questions I have been asked when in discussion with non-christian people. And recently (less then 30 min ago) I had an interesting brain fart. If bad things never happened to good people would we still know they were good? It's easy to do good things when good things are happening all around you. But how about when times are hard, when things go all wrong? Do you still do the right thing? How you act in various situations, at the very least, can dictate how other people see you. Over time, it can define your very character.

...

"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said wouldn't be a great moral teacher. He'd be either a lunatic—on a level with a man who says he's a poached egg—or else he'd be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse."
—C.S. Lewis

"Does anyone know the true meaning of Christmas?"

Not sure if that was exactly what he said but it was essentially what Charlie Brown said near the end of "A Charlie Brown Christmas". After he asked that his friend Linus said:
"I can tell you Charlie Brown. Lights please...

...And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone 'round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

This quote is borrowed from Luke Chapter 2, starting at v8. But it was not just that that hit a sort of sweet spot with me. It was how throughout the cartoon, CB kept seeing people commercializing Christmas. Borrowing another line from the Grinch who stole Christmas i dont' think Christmas does come in a box. It came in a manger. While it is nice to give and receive presents, it isn't important. It's all over the media. Santa seems to dominate the scene as stores advertise the lowest holiday prices for those acting as Santa to go there and shop for those they love. There are much more important things in life than what you can buy.

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an

educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,

God would have sent a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,

God would have sent an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,

God would have sent an entertainer.

If our greatest need had been military,

God would have sent a soldier.

If our greatest need had been for justice,

God would have sent a judge.

But, our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption,

and, therefore,

God sent a Savior!

So as you gather around your Christmas tree and/or enjoy your Christmas dinner with family/friends take some time of peace to yourself. Have a safe and Happy Christmas.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

This is one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous quotes and recently I've started to ponder on it. For to some words are just words that mean what they mean. However, to others it can often take on a deeper meaning.
*TANGENT*
Another common phrase we learned as children was also sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me. This was often quoted whenever people (most likely children) used harsh words against each other to keep one from feeling down. But as we grew older we learned that yes, words can really hurt.... but words can crush the soul. was another version that I later heard.
Ironically, it seems that those who are capable of hurting you the most are the ones capable of loving you the most; when someone you don't know tries to hurt you you aren't really hurt as you don't take them very seriously. However, when someone you love/care about deeply/have known for a long time/actually listen to acts like that you can seem confused, then hurt. It is my belief that the deepest scars will never show themselves on your body.
*end tangent*
Going back to the quote by MLKJ, the tangent kinda commented on the first part of the quote, but it's the second part of the quote that, for me, has the most significance, as it may for others as it might have meant to be.
In many times, silence can be a good thing; other times it can be a bad thing. But when it comes from friends, any actions they take will always be remembered. But what about their silence? What makes it significant? Perhaps maybe their input on whatever you're doing (or lack thereof)?. Silence can be interpreted in many ways. Could it be the absence of approval, or the absence of disapproval. Sometimes encouragement is needed between friends; sometimes discouragements is needed. When all is said and done, does one look back and try to determine where the dividing lines are and how bold they are? Do they change that often?
The power of silence is such that it can often show someone's true feelings about something, or hide them just the same. In a conversation I believe it is important not only to pay attention to what is said, but take note of what is not said and note why (or wonder at least) . For the world is a universe of politics; not just between countries, it's everywhere. And in the end, everyone who cares for you will want to know where you stand as you may want to know where everyone you care about stands...ok that may have sounded aggressive and may not be true for some of you but it's just a theory.
In any case, silence can often speak louder than actions or words and can often be misused.