December 28th - Reflection

Reading
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Matthew 2:13-18 (NRSV)

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet,

"Out of Egypt I have called my son."

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

"A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more."

Reflection
Destroy a child? Who or what could think of such a thing? In a fallen people we tend to look only after ourselves. Sin, enters into our hearts, and desire to protect what is perceived as important takes over. So a king in political power begins to fear a baby born that is hailed as a king. But Jesus is a different kind of king. Surely politics will follow, but Jesus comes as the King of all creation. The King that will redirect the fallen and show us the way to love and compassion and understanding and healing. Jesus is a King that will bring truth and grace and open up the Kingdom of God to all who believe in Him and respond to His calling.

We have a King that comes to us, for us, and saves us. This King Jesus doesn't need to be concerned with selfish pride, or earthly riches. This King is humble, born in a manger and riding on a donkey. This King knows His priorities. This King is different! This King opens God's Kingdom to the children, rather than destroying the children, this King gives each child a life and a calling to live and grow and gain a new understanding day after day. This King has come to live and die and to live again in eternity to lead the children in His Kingdom.

Destroy a child? ... Someday! ... But that Child will raise from the dead and live! ... Destroy this Child? ... Impossible. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, be with Your children this day. Some will live and some will die. Love them and protect them and grant them the grace of eternal life. Lead all Your children into Your eternal Kingdom, day by day, as we live in this fallen world and see the hope and joy and experience, in whatever measures you grant to us, Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen