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"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." - Matthew 2:16-18
Read
This is a part of the story that is often left out. It is no wonder people do not tell this part. It is too sad. It is called the Massacre of the Innocents.
The three kings followed the star to the land where Jesus was born. When they came into the land, they went to see the king, King Herod in Jerusalem. When King Herod heard them say they were looking for a baby king, he was very interested. He did not want that baby to grow up. Herod wanted to be the only king in the land.
“Come and tell me when you find this king,” he told the Magi. “I want to come and worship him.” Herod was not telling the truth. He wanted to kill the new little king.
The three kings, the wise ones, did not tell Herod. They went home by another way. They really were wise.
But Herod did not forget. He asked his scholars to look in the Scriptures and find where it said the king would be born. They told Herod that the place would be Bethlehem. Herod sent his soldiers there, and they killed every baby boy they could find who was two years old or younger.
The soldiers took the babies from their mothers. No one really looks happy in the picture, not even Herod. Look at the mothers’ eyes. The artist tried to make them look very, very sad. See how long and narrow they are? The story is not over. The baby Jesus did not die in Bethlehem.
Wonder
What part of the story do you like best?
What part of the story is the most important?
What part of the story is just about you?
Listen
The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer shares a reflection.
Pray
Open our eyes to see injustice. Open our hearts that we may recognize the vulnerable, the lost, and the innocent. Strengthen us to revere all your creation and to see your face in our neighbor near and far. Fill us with your light so we may be light bearers to many dark places in your name. Amen.
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