In the Episcopal calendar, December 28 is the day we remember the innocent children who were slaughtered by King Herod in his attempt to destroy the baby Jesus. This day is hard to remember for two reasons: first, it is difficult for us to get our minds around the fact that someone would feel threatened by innocent babies under the age of two and would kill them, so we bury that cruel side of human nature deep within our consciousness; second, this day is tucked between Christmas and New Year's and often slips by unnoticed just because of its place on the calendar. Today, let's take a few minutes to remember all little children and other innocents who are affected by circumstances beyond their control -- the children who are starving in Darfur and in the Sudan; the children who are forced to bear arms at an early age; the little girls who are not educated because they are girls -- we could go on.
"We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, 238]
Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
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