1st Sunday of Christmas

As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.

Readings and Psalm

• Isaiah 63:7-9
  Israel saved by God’s own presence

   
• Hebrews 2:10-18
  Christ shares flesh and blood to free humankind

   
• Matthew 2:13-23
  The slaughter of innocent children