Tir 3 — January 11

The Holy Children of Bethlehem

When baby Jesus was born, a king named Herod was afraid. He worried that this special baby might one day be a greater king than he was. Herod did not understand that Jesus came to bring love, not to take his throne.

God knew Herod was angry. So one night, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. The angel said something very important.

Joseph listened right away. That same night he gently woke Mary, picked up baby Jesus, and they hurried far away to the land of Egypt, where they would be safe. God was watching over the Holy Family every step of the way.

Herod was cruel to the families in Bethlehem and the towns nearby, and many little children went home to God. This is a sad part of the story. But the Bible tells us something beautiful happened next. God welcomed all those little ones straight into heaven. We call them martyrs, the children who belong to God forever, and they were the very first little ones to be with Jesus there.

Saint John once saw them in a vision. Each child was given a soft white robe and a place close to God. They sing a song of praise that no one else even knows, and they are happy with God always. So even though the day began sadly, it ends in joy. Those children are safe, loved, and never alone.

Rise up, take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is looking for the Child.— Matthew 2:13

Out of Egypt have I called My Son.— Hosea 11:1

Saint Libanos, the Wonder-Worker

On this day we also remember Saint Libanos, who was also called Mata'a. His father was named Abraham and his mother was named Negest, and they were a rich family with lots of gold and silver.

One night, God sent the angel Gabriel to call Libanos to a very special life. Gabriel led him out of his father's house and brought him to a quiet home of prayer that belonged to a holy man named Abba Pachomius. There Libanos became a monk, giving his whole life to God.

Later, Libanos traveled all the way to Ethiopia. He lived there for many years, praying hard and helping people love God. He kept at his prayers the way a brave soldier serves a good king.

God gave Libanos a special gift of prayer. One day, when people needed water, Libanos prayed and fresh water came pouring right out of a hard rock. He helped people in many other ways too. After a long and faithful life, Saint Libanos died in peace, and the angels carried him home to God.

Abba Ammon, the Faithful Monk

Today we also remember Abba Ammon, a holy monk who loved God with his whole heart.

Abba Ammon worked very hard to keep his heart clean and good. Whenever a tempting thought tried to pull him away from God, he prayed and turned away from it. He wanted to think only kind and holy things.

His story reminds us of something simple and strong: when we want to do what is right, we can always ask God to help us. God is happy to give us a good and gentle heart. We send a loving greeting to Abba Ammon, who tried every single day to please God.