Tune: Sussex
(one tune to \'Father, hear the prayer we offer\')
Matthew 2 v.12-18
Holy Innocents Day - Dec.28th
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Wise men the Christ-child they had seen
Full of wonder it had been
For them Him to see, but now they
Must be going on their way
A warning from God in a dream
They had, not all as did seem
For King Herod in false pretence
Would locate the young child thence
But his plans were to Him destroy
He was outwitted, his ploy
Mocked of wise men, in a rage he
Ordered death of children, see
All boys under two years who in
Beth\'lem were, or near therein
Were to be killed, bitter mourning
Heard there voice of lamenting
Though was as Jeremiah had said
Parents found their infants dead
Rachel, Israel\'s mother-figure
Weeping in such great horror
Unconsolable, and would not
Be comforted, for their lot
Had been of their dreadful laments
Slain their Holy Innocents
Give us grace to do just, rightly
Where oppression we may see
That good triumph over evil
Your kingdom come, your good will