December 28 marks an important day in the Christian calendar—Holy Innocents Day. It is a day to remember and pay tribute to children who were killed by King Herod in his attempt to remove Jesus from the Earth. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse. In this article, we will explore what Holy Innocents Day is and why it is important, as well as how to observe it through prayer and reflection on the lives that have been lost in Herod’s wake. Read on to learn more about this solemn but essential commemoration of innocent life.
What is Holy Innocents Day?
Holy Innocents Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the massacre of baby boys by King Herod in an attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The day falls on December 28th and is also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents.
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The History of Holy Innocents Day
The feast of the Holy Innocents, also known as the Feast of the Children, commemorates the Biblical story of Herod’s massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem. The event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18). In response to a prophecy that a “King of the Jews” would be born in Bethlehem, Herod ordered all boys in Bethlehem two years old and under to be killed. The story has been interpreted by some as an attack on paganism and by others as an act of political violence.
The feast day was first observed in the early church, but it did not become widespread until the ninth century. In Spain, the day is known as Día de los Santos Inocentes and is celebrated on December 28. In Mexico, it is called Día de los Niños Mártires (Day of the Child Martyrs) and is celebrated on December 26.
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Why We Celebrate Holy Innocents Day
Holy Innocents Day, observed on December 28, commemorates the massacre of the male infants in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great. The day is also sometimes called “The Feast of the Innocents” or “Childermas”.
The massacre occurred after the Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men) visited Herod to ask him where they could find the newborn “King of the Jews”, whom they had seen in a star. Herod, who was not about to let another king usurp his power, asked them to come back and tell him after they had found the child.
Herod then sent soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all male infants under two years old. But when they arrived, they found that the family had already fled to Egypt. So Herod ordered all infant boys in Bethlehem killed instead.
The massacre of innocent children is a tragic event, but it also has a religious significance. It represents God’s victory over evil. The innocent babies who were killed represent all of humanity, who are innocent before God but have been tainted by sin. The fact that Jesus survived Herod’s plot shows that he is above even death itself and that his kingdom will last forever.
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How to Celebrate Holy Innocents Day
On Holy Innocents Day, Christians around the world remember the young boys who were slaughtered by King Herod in his attempt to kill the baby Jesus. The day is also known as Childermas or the Feast of Children.
There are many ways to celebrate Holy Innocents Day. Here are a few ideas:
1. Pray for all of the innocent children who have been victims of violence and war.
2. Give to charities that help children in need.
3. Teach your children about the meaning of this day and why we should stand up for innocents everywhere.
4. Spend time with your own children or other young people in your life, making memories and enjoying their company.
Conclusion
Holy Innocents Day is an important event in the Christian calendar and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting innocent children everywhere. We hope you have found this article on Holy Innocents Day informative and that it has given you an insight into why this special day is celebrated every year. Let us remember those young boys who were killed by King Herod and take their story with us during our own struggles for justice throughout the coming year.
HOLY INNOCENTS DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | December 28 | Wednesday |
2023 | December 28 | Thursday |
2024 | December 28 | Saturday |
2025 | December 28 | Sunday |
2026 | December 28 | Monday |
YEAR | DATE | EVENT |
2022 | December 28 | National Call a Friend Day |
2022 | December 28 | National Chocolate Candy Day |
2022 | December 28 | National Download Day |
2022 | December 28 | Card Playing Day |
2022 | December 28 | Holy Innocents Day |
2022 | December 28 | National Short Film Day |
2022 | December 28 | Pledge of Allegiance Day |
2022 | December 28 | Proclamation Day |