Christmas 4- Holy Innocents Day

December 28

 Holy Innocents Day

Read Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:16 – 18, 

John 3:16, Luke 23:42 & 43, and 1 Corinthians 15:12 - 26

This date seems out of sequence in the Christmas season. It falls before the Feast of Epiphany, the trigger date for Herod’s genocidal order. Then we remember this is an annual reminder of the grief of the mothers of Bethlehem. We all mark annual days of grief when we recall loved ones gone before us. Now is the time to remember the promise of salvation to all believers. We do not grieve like those who have no hope. We grieve, but our grief is comforted by the sure knowledge of salvation. 

“Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying” is a relatively new hymn by Stephen Starke who describes his work as doctrinal in nature. Through these words the thread of grace and salvation can reach to the grieving believer who clings to the cross in the face of death. If you have a copy of the LSB I strongly suggest reading that hymn. The child of faith turns to our Heavenly Father for comfort in times of deep grief. “Come and Sit Beside the Lord” is a new hymn I wrote that looks at the feet of Jesus as a place to sit for comfort. Jaroslav Vajda was kind enough to read it and encourage me to share it.

Come into God’s house with gladness; Come and sit beside The Lord.

He will comfort you in sadness, He will ev’ry joy afford.

At His feet now take your places, Let His words be read aloud.

See His love on other’s faces Let no doubt your vision cloud.

Come into God’s house with singing; Come and sit beside The Lord.

Hear the bells with joy loud ringing, Here His graces are out poured.

Brothers, sisters, now He calls you, “Come and rest here, by my side.”

Feel His arms surround and hold you In His love now safe abide.

Come into God’s house and rest you; Come and sit beside The Lord.

Choose the one thing needful for you Choose to listen to The Lord.

“It shall not be taken from you.” He has promised to abide

With His love forever near you And to keep you at His side.

For the Family:

The symbol of hope for this day is a baptismal shell encased in a cross. ( an image here of a cross on a Baptismal shell.) Hang this symbol on your Tree of Promise and give thanks to God for the sure knowledge of salvation and the comfort such knowledge brings to the child of God.

Bible Journaling:

The Sure Knowledge of Salvation

Bible Journaling

Connie Denninger

From the Kitchen:

2016 was the first year that I have included these cookies in my Christmas Cookie stash. 
Thank you, Shereth, for sharing.

Lemon Ricotta

Shereth Tran-daughter of Natalie Hartwig

2 ½ C flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 stick butter, softened

2 C sugar

2 eggs

15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese

3 TBS lemon juice

1 lemon zested

• Preheat oven to 375, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper
• Combine flour, baking powder, salt. Set aside
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until well incorporate.
• Add ricotta, lemon juice & zest. Beat to combine.
• Stir in dry ingredients,.
• Spoon cookie dough (about 2 TBS per cookie) onto baking sheets. Makes 44 cookies.
• Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden at the edges.
• Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 20 minute

• Glaze:
• 1 ½ C powdered sugar 3 TBS lemon juice 1 lemon zested

• Combine in small bowl and stir until smooth.
• Spoon about ½ tsp onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread.
• Let glaze harden for at least 2 hours before packing away. 

Tree of Promise Devotions

Natalie Grace Hartwig