The birth of Jesus was one of the most joyous moments in history. I mean, the birth of any baby is a reason to celebrate, but the birth of the Messiah Christ, that’s extra special.

Yet, soon after the joy of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the streets there were filled with bitter weeping. You see, King Herod, the wicked vassal king of Israel at that time heard that the Messiah Christ had been born and saw Him as a threat to his throne. And so in a fit of rage, he ordered his soldiers to ride to Bethlehem and kill every boy two years old and younger.

Thankfully, by the time they arrived, Joseph and Mary had already left with Jesus, but that day dozens of little boys were executed. Scholars call this the Slaughter of the Innocents. What a sad day in history!

But you know, I can’t hear that story without thinking about the millions of innocents that have been slaughtered here in America over the last few decades. Beloved, every life is precious. Especially the life of innocent babies. May we stand for life inside and outside the womb, especially here in the city of Meridian. And may we support pregnant mothers and ministries in our community like the Center for Pregnancy Choices, which is making a huge difference right here in our hometown. May babies be welcomed and safe here.

Change begins in you!