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Good morning.

Today鈥檚 Feast of the Holy Innocents marks one of the most disturbing commemorations of the Christian calendar.

It recalls the slaughter of male infants by the King some called 鈥淗erod the Great鈥�. According to Matthew鈥檚 Gospel this murderous act was part of an attempted plan by Herod to kill the Christ-child.

Questions have been raised about whether this event actually took place, because of a lack of supporting evidence from other sources; although scholars acknowledge that other information attests that ruthless brutality was a hallmark of Herod鈥檚 rule. But whether it鈥檚 historically accurate or not, this story鈥檚 part of a greater message which sadly still has resonance with the treatment of many children today.聽聽聽聽

Throughout the Bible there鈥檚 a repeated narrative about the importance of showing concern for the vulnerable. One of the central messages of Christianity is that the little ones - the meek and needy - are those for whom we should show the greatest concern, for as Jesus himself said, these are the ones who 鈥渟hall inherit the earth鈥�.

At Christmas, remembering a story of violence and brutality directed at children may seem to be starkly at odds with the joy of the season. But at the heart of the story Christians celebrate; is a God who chose to be born in vulnerability, amongst the poor and marginalised. This God identifies with the weak and the feast of Holy Innocents reminds us that those who sometimes seem to count least in human conflicts are precisely the ones who are most important to God.

聽Heavenly Father As we recall the loss of innocent lives and remember the continuing violence of our world. We ask your blessing on all who work to protect children and keep them safe. Fill every heart with your hope and love. Amen.