Matthew 2:16 (NASB)
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, we remember the Holy Innocents, the infants and children Herod killed to try to get rid of Jesus. These innocent babies were murdered in the rage of a jealous king. Their families were deprived of the blessings these children would have brought them. The whole community of Bethlehem wept at the loss of all their male children two years of age and younger. In the midst of the joy of Christmas, we remember that Jesus can save us from our sins and from eternal damnation, but He does not save us from the perils of living in a fallen world. Mass murder of children is happening in our world today—young children are being murdered for their faith by terrorists and unborn babies are being murdered for convenience by their own mothers. Yet in spite of these horrors, we know that God the Holy Spirit is always with us to comfort us and give us strength. Evil cannot triumph forever—Jesus will return to judge the world with truth.
Almighty God, touch the hearts of evil and misguided people to end the killing of innocent children. Give us the courage to stand for what is right and the faith to watch for the Second Coming of Jesus. In His holy name. Amen.
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