Asks the Catechism, Did God create people so wicked and perverse?

No.
God created them good and in his own image,
that is, in true righteousness and holiness
so that they might
truly know God their creator,
love him with all their heart,
and live with God in eternal happiness,
to praise and glorify him. (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 6)

I just read the text of President Obama's address on ISIL, a most hateful perversion of Islam. One only has to read the stories of Protestants butchering Catholics and Catholics butchering Protestants during and after the Reformation to be reminded that Christians, and others, are not immune from such things. Evil springs from deep within our bent and broken human hearts.

We were created holy and to be holy, to be separated from evil and united with God. How far we have fallen.

The good news of Advent is that we look forward to the coming and coming again not just of a savior from our own personal sins, but from the whole universe of evil we have brought upon ourselves as human beings. We await Emmanuel, God-with-us, the one who is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Prince of Peace, bring peace, and make us holy. When you appear, we will be like you, for we will see you as you are.

Amen.