THE CRIB AND THE CROSS

Appreciating The Feast of Holy Innocents

by The Children’s Ministry

For many years, the Cathedral of the King has been celebrating the Feast of Holy Innocents. But why do we celebrate this day? At first thought, what this day is really about may not be a cause for celebration. But as we read, may we – especially our children – gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Holy Innocents. 

The children mentioned in St. Matthew chapter 2 are considered martyrs by the church. “King Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and sending his men, he killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem and its borders, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” Because of this king’s jealous insanity, innocent lives were lost. 

Why should we remember the killing of children who did not do anything wrong? St. Augustine poignantly expressed: "Today we honor those infants whom the text of the Gospel relates to have been slain by Herod, that most cruel king… Behold, this wicked enemy could never have so greatly benefited the blessed children by honor as he did by hate. For as today's most sacred feast shows, as much as iniquity did abound against the blessed children, so much the more did the grace of benediction flow out upon them.” 

The Feast of Holy Innocents is a reminder that that the crib and the Cross go together. The period from which this feast draws from is a prelude to the day of ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, as a child, survived the massacre of innocents so that later on in His life, He could sacrifice Himself for our sins. Christ’s love began the moment He was born, up to the time He witnessed for God, up to the days He died and rose again, and even until now as we wait in joyful expectation for His coming again. 

Last December 28, 2011, the Cathedral of the King honored the Holy Innocents by organizing yet another themed feast. Our theme centered on Christmas Virtues and Values (Hope, Faith, Joy, Love) which aimed to reinforce the meaning of the Advent candles and encourage the children to be like Christ by practicing virtues and values of Christmas all year round.  The children enjoyed slideshows on the real reason of Christmas while eating snacks and participated in an exciting activity of solving giant puzzles. 

May the remembrance of this day be an inspiration to us all. And may God continue to bless our children as they fulfill His will according to His riches and glory.