"These were the infant boys slaughtered in Bethlehem on Herod's paranoid orders (Matthew 2). With Stephen and John they are called comites Christi, or "companions of Christ," a medieval designation that recognizes their suffering. The above three days correspond, in order, to the three types of martyrdom: voluntary and executed (Stephen), voluntary but not executed (John), and executed but not voluntary (the Bethlehem children). To remember Herod's atrocity is to strip sentimentality from the birth of Christ. On this day we confront the evil in our world, the violence of the powerful against the weak, the sorrow of those who suffer injustice and the very real darkness into which the light shines."
Let's put this in perspective, shall we? Liam is 18 months old. He and all of his buddies are under 2. This slaughter of the Bethlehem children would be like if Liam and all of his buddies were murdered. No more Noah, Colin, Benjamin, Topias. I can't think of anything more sad. These little guys bring so much joy, so much hope, into our world. If our government were to perform such a horrific act, I would likely despise them as much as the Jews despised the Romans.
Of course, we remember that Jesus calls us to love, not hate, our enemies. He tells us to bless, not despise, our enemies. We are called to pray for the Herods of our world. We are called to pray that their insecurities and paranoia would be replaced by security in Christ. We are also called to stand up for and protect the innocents of this world.
Lord, give us hearts that trust instead of fear- hearts that love instead of hate- hearts that bless instead of curse- hearts that protect instead of hide. Amen.
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