Fourth Day of Christmas(tide) ~ December 28

The Fourth Day of Christmastide: The Feast of the Holy Innocents

The fourth day of Christmastide, December 28th, marks the Feast of the Holy Innocents, also known as Childermas. This day differs from the joyous celebrations that usually accompany Christmas. It is a somber reflection on the tragic events that unfolded in Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ. It reminds us of the innocent lives lost in King Herod’s ruthless attempt to eliminate the newborn Savior. It invites us to reflect on the great sacrifices made for the sake of salvation.

The Tragic Story of the Holy Innocents

The Feast of the Holy Innocents commemorates the massacre of the children under the age of two in Bethlehem. This event is described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:13-18). After the visit of the Magi, King Herod felt threatened by the prophecy of a new king. He ordered the murder of all male infants in Bethlehem. He hoped to eliminate the one he saw as a threat to his throne. These innocent children were unaware of their fate. They are considered the first Christian martyrs. They lost their lives in an effort to protect the Christ child.

This day is a solemn reflection on the depth of human suffering. It also reflects on the violence that arose out of fear and tyranny. It reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus. He was spared from this massacre as the newborn King. However, He would later give His life on the cross for humanity’s salvation. The Feast of the Holy Innocents calls us to remember the vulnerable and innocent lives lost in violence. We also need to pray for justice and peace in the world.

Childermas Traditions: Role Reversal and Celebration

In medieval England, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, or Childermas, featured some unusual traditions. These included a playful and somewhat ironic role reversal. While the day itself was somber, there were customs that allowed children to experience a temporary shift in power.

One of the most well-known traditions was the appointment of the Boy Bishop. Boys were often choirboys. They would be chosen to assume the role of a bishop on December 6th, the feast of Saint Nicholas. They were granted the symbolic power to perform duties. These duties included presiding over church services, leading prayers, and even preaching. This leadership continued until the Feast of the Holy Innocents, after which the real bishops resumed their authority.

In schools, children took charge as well. On Childermas, boys often locked their teachers out of the schoolhouse. They did this until the teachers agreed to offer fewer punishments or grant additional holidays. This tradition was similar to the Boy Bishop custom. It was rooted in the theme of inversion. It provided a brief moment of power for the children. This acknowledged their role in society.

Reflecting on the Sacrifice of Christ

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is an opportunity to pause. We consider the sacrifice of the innocent children of Bethlehem. It also reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus Himself. The loss of life on this day reminds us of the cruelty and violence in the world. It also highlights the eventual sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life for the redemption of humanity. His life and death show us that true love involves great sacrifice. He came into the world to bring peace. He also came to bear the suffering of the world on His shoulders.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents provides an opportunity for many Christians. They reflect on the innocent lives lost in the world today. This includes lives lost through violence, war, or injustice. It is a time to remember Christ. He was born into this world of suffering. He is deeply moved by the pain of others. This day calls us to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable. We must especially consider children in this endeavor. We should work towards a world where such violence is no longer tolerated.

The Legacy of the Holy Innocents

In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Holy Innocents is a poignant reminder. It highlights the fragility of life. It also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable. In many Christian traditions, the day includes a reading of the Gospel of Matthew 2:13-23. This reading reflects on the brutality of Herod’s actions. It also shows the strength of God’s protection over the Christ child. The innocent lives lost in Bethlehem are often portrayed as martyrs. They are honored as symbols of the Christian commitment to protecting the innocent. They also represent the quest for justice for the marginalized.

The customs of role reversal and playful rebellion may no longer be widely observed. However, the spiritual significance of Childermas remains strong. It calls us to remember that Christ’s birth was not without hardship and sorrow. The journey of the Holy Family was fraught with danger from the very beginning. We celebrate the birth of Jesus with joy and festivity. However, we must also acknowledge the suffering that accompanied His entry into the world. We should commit ourselves to alleviating suffering where we find it today.

A Modern Reflection on Childermas

Today, the Feast of the Holy Innocents offers a space for reflection. We reflect on the historical events of Bethlehem. We also consider the challenges faced by children around the world. It is an opportunity to advocate for children’s rights. We must protect the vulnerable. We must work towards a world where no child suffers from violence or neglect.

Much of the world is still caught up in the festive cheer of the Christmas season. However, Childermas invites us to remember the forgotten and the forsaken. It reminds us of the importance of justice and peace. It shows ways in which we, as Christians, are called to care for the least among us. Herod’s actions were driven by fear and greed. In contrast, our actions should be driven by love and compassion for others.

As we continue to celebrate Christmastide, let us keep in mind the lives of the Holy Innocents. They gave all for Christ. Let their memory inspire us to stand up for the rights of children. Let us work towards a world where all can live in peace and safety.

Third day of Christmas(tide) ~ December 27