Matteo di Giovanni. The Massacre of the Innocents at Bethlehem. Museo di Capodimonte, Napoli.

The Coventry Carol. Collegium Vocal Gent.
This carol is a lament for the slaying of the Innocents.

You gave your all to the world
in the bleakness of that stable.
Love was born that day
Pure love
Undiluted
Poured out for all
who call on Your name
Such Grace
Undeserved
deserves a response
in the life that we lead.
Forgive our ingratitude
for all you have done,
draw us to your Word,
give us a new song to sing,
that will resonate throughout this world.
And begin with us today. Amen.
— © John Birch, used with permission.

Prayer

We remember today, O God, Herod's slaughter of the infants of Bethlehem. Receive into the arms of your mercy all victims of violence, by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants, and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen