December 28 The Holy Innocents

[Pastor Joelle]

The Holy Innocents

3Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to
Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search
for the child, to destroy him." 14Then Joseph got up, took the child
and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until
the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the
Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was
infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around
Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that
he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been
spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
18"A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."
Matthew 2:13-18

It is a disturbing story in the midst of our twelve days of Christmas
celebration. It is a sobering reminder of the evil that led Christ to
be born for our salvation. It is a harsh dose of reality and reminds
us of the suffering of innocents even today. Perhaps the purpose of
throwing this dark story at us at this time is to keep us from turning
Christmas into our own private little family time. What does it
mean for us today to worship one who came “throw down the mighty from
their thrones”? While we wait for Jesus to return and establish his
Kingdom of justice, love and compassion, what can we do today for
those who suffer from oppression, loneliness and unkindness?

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the innocent children of
Bethlehem by order of King Herod. Receive into the arms of your mercy
all innocent victims. By your great might frustrate the designs of
evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever