This story used to make me feel uneasy. “Why did God save His own Son but not the other babies?” I wondered. It seemed … unfair, somehow. Unjust. Was God playing favorites?
Years later I realized that in fact, Jesus did not get away safely. The final baby of Bethlehem also died at the hand of a king named Herod—thirty-some years later, as an adult. And it wasn’t a quick death by the sword but the long-drawn-out agony of crucifixion.
But even that’s not the real point, is it? Because out of all those babies and toddlers, Jesus is the One who came into this world on purpose to die. He gave Himself into death on purpose, for all those babies and for us as well. And then He rose from the dead, just as He will raise those children—and us as well.
WE PRAY: Lord, overcome the darkness with Your light. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Does this story make you feel uneasy about God? Why or why not?
* Some call those children the first martyrs for Christ. Would you agree?
* How does Jesus help you cope with the darkness of great evil?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.