Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. —Matthew 2:16
December 28 (or in our case, the Sunday closest to it) has traditionally marked the observance of Childermas. Also called the Feast of the Holy Innocents, this is a day of remembrance and mourning for the children of Bethlehem murdered by the order of King Herod. Along with Stephen, whose feast day (December 26) is also observed during the week after Christmas, these “infant martyr flowers” are considered the first Christian martyrs. Isn’t it appropriate that right in the midst of the Christmas celebrations, we would turn our focus to such a terrible scene of violence? Jesus was born to deal with hearts like Herod’s—and ours. This Holiest Innocent came so that the foe greater than any Herod, Death itself, would be overthrown. Now we need not fear the grave, because Jesus Christ was born to save. —Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: Lord, Strength, Mercy, Blessed, Hear, Help, Works, Hands, Shield
Keystone Verse: The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. (Psalm 28:7)
Psalm 28:1-9
To You, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your most holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. 4 Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of His hands, He will tear them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. 8 The Lord is the strength of His people; He is the saving refuge of His anointed. 9 Oh, save Your people and bless Your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.