The story of the Holy Innocents is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Scripture. Herod's fear turned to fury, and in his blindness, he lashed out at the most vulnerable-the children. It's a story drenched in sorrow, yet it mirrors what we still see around us today.

The world continues to echo with Rachel's cry. We hear it worn torn lands where children are displaced, starving, and orphaned. We hear it in neighborhoods where violence has stolen too many sons and daughters. We hear it in homes where despair, addiction, and neglect have torn innocence away.

But woven into this passage is also a call to action. Joseph obeyed immediately-he rose and protected what was sacred. He did not wait till morning. He trusted God's warning and moved in faith.

Today, we too are called o that same kind of obedience and protection. We may not carry the Christ Child, but we do carry his light-and that light needs guarding in a world that tries to snuff it out. Every time we protect the innocent, defend the voiceless, or act in compassion instead of fear, we are standing with Joseph. We are saying "The darkness will not have the last word".

Ask yourself: Where is God calling me to protect, nuture, or speak up for the innocent? 

Hold this truth close to your heart- even in the darkest chapters, God's light is both moving and powerful. Protect it. Cherish it. And carry it into the world.