Day of the Innocents

Today is a holiday in many countries called “Holy Innocents Day”–it is celebrated by giving power to the kids in the family, often the youngest getting to be in charge. They get to choose what to eat, and what kinds of things are done that day. In some countries, it’s kind of like an April Fools’ Day, where kids do pranks on people.

The history for this day comes from Matthew 2:16, when Herod was afraid of the prophecy and thought Jesus was born to overthrown his rule, so he had many baby boys killed as a way to stop it. It’s a terrible part of the story, and many countries set this day apart in memory. Because the children were young, they were called the innocents, and they are saints in the Catholic church.

There are times of sacrifice and times of darkness in many stories, and God’s plan for salvation has moments of them too. In the Bible, Matthew and Luke begin their gospels with the birth of Christ, but John starts his differently–with light and darkness. It seems appropriate to go along with the others.

Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was there with God in the beginning. ³ Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. ⁴ In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.

John 1:1-5 (ERV)

We serve the God of light, and the darkness has not defeated him. Remember that in the midst of darkness.

Dear God, there are parts of the Bible and the salvation story that I just don’t understand. Teach me to understand more. Help me to be faithful throughout the days. Amen.

Please follow and like us: