Christmas daybook, 5: Rachel weeping for her children

My Christmas daybook for these 12 days of celebrating. Join me, won't you? 

(see previous Christmas daybook 2015 posts here)

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look

Where the Children Sleep by Magnus Wennman - source

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read

Matthew 2:13-18:

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

all readings for the day: Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18

also read: Refugee by Malcolm Guite

We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,

Or cosy in a crib beside the font,

But he is with a million displaced people

On the long road of weariness and want.

For even as we sing our final carol

His family is up and on that road,

Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,

Glancing behind and shouldering their load.

Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower

Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,

The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,

And death squads spread their curse across the world.

But every Herod dies, and comes aloneTo stand before the Lamb upon the throne.

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pray

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of just love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.(source)

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listen

The Flight by Richard Causton, commissioned for 2015 Lessons and Carols service at Kings College Chapel

(Also, feel free to listen with me to my ever-evolving Christmastide playlist. If you're looking for sappy, even sometimes cheesy, but fun Christmas music try my Christmas Eve (for my Momma) playlist. )

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do

A New Tradition on the Feast of the Innocents With A New Tradition from Wondering Through the Year: make a donation to an organization that cares for babies and children - money or physical items

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In case you missed it, here's a helpful post I wrote a couple of years ago: 12 ways to savor the 12 days of Christmas.

(see all Christmas daybook posts from 2014 here)