Very Merry 4th Day of Christmas

Merry 4th Day of Christmas!   

In addition to today being the fourth Day of Christmas, two feasts are observed in the Catholic Church. It is quite the quandary that we observe such different feasts on the same day since one celebrates the beauty of the family while the other commemorates the slaughter of young children.  

The Feast of the Holy Family celebrates the lives of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. By choosing to be born into a family, Jesus sanctified the human experience of home life. The feast reminds us that holiness is found in ordinary moments of family life: daily chores, work, and quiet times of family togetherness. it also reminds us that the family is the foundation for learning.   

The Feast of the Holy Innocents commemorates the boys of Bethlehem who were killed by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2:16–18.  

Joseph is the connection between these two feasts. Joseph protected Jesus from Herod’s intentions by heeding the warning in a dream and fleeing to safety in Egypt to safety. This is a day to pray for the protection of all children and remember that Christ’s light shines even in the darkest corners of history.   

Why four Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas?  

Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.   

As I have in past years on this day, I will pray for the protection of all pregnant women and their unborn babies, along with newborns and other vulnerable children and adults.  

My prayer for today
Lord, you protected the Holy Family from the cruelty of Herod by the hand of Saint Joseph. We ask your protection today for our family and for all children who are vulnerable. May we, like Mary and Joseph, always be ready to protect the children – their life, their faith and their innocence – within our own families and communities. Amen   

Merry Christmas,
Karen