+ Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Infant Martyrs who gave their lives instead of Christ, rather than because of Christ. In doing so they are held in highest esteem in heaven above and earth below. It was out of unconscionable cowardice and fear and jealousy that King Herod set out to destroy the One who would be King of the Jews: Jesus who star was seen rising in the Eeast. If Herod had only opened his mind to the understanding that the Kingship of Christ would be a spiritual one that would be uncontested in the end by any and every king, lord, president and ruler, maybe he would have chosen other methods of dealing with such a meek and mild King.
As it stood though, he was out to destroy the newborn Messiah and King. In dreams the parents of Jesus were instructed by God on how to protect their treasured trust. They would flee to Egypt and remain there until it was safe to return to their home in Nazareth. But the sound of weeping a wailing in Judea was unparallel when in house after house Herod's soldiers sacrificed innocent baby boys. These precious children immediately took their place around the throne of God and play there even to this day – as God's highly favored and beloved children.
We remember today all children who are caught in the crossfire of earthly pride and jealousy and cowardice – we remember especially the millions who will never even see the light of day due to the often times misguided medical notions of others. These are the true Holy Innocents of our day! We honor them today as well!
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white robed army of martyrs praise you.
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