When the Magi first show up looking for a new born who’s going to be king, they (logically) go to the current king, King Harod. King Harod is understandably concerned that these guys are expecting him to be replaced. He tries to get the Magi to spy for him, but when the Magi don’t report back, he gets furious. He sends his men to kill all the children in and around Bethlehem that are under 2 years old.
Today Bethlehem sits in the West Bank in Palestine. In the past year and 3 months more Palestinian children have been killed than the entire populations of 4 ancient Bethlehems (using the highest estimate for ancient Bethlehem’s population).
This Christmas it is right to honor all Palestinian children ancient and modern, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, or any others who have been killed by leaders trying to hold onto power.
Christmas is about joining in the lament:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
– Matthew 2:18
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