The Fourth Day of Christmas
Season
Christmastide
Observation – Anglican Communion, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic
Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary – Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14
Roman Catholic Lectionary – 1 John 1:5—2:2; Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8; Matthew 2:13-18
Daily Office Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours – Exodus 1:8-16, 22; Bishop Quodvultdeus on the Holy Innocents
Blessed Among Us – The Holy Innocents
Recognized by Anglican Communion, Eastern Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic
This day is traditionally called Childermas and is characterized by merrymaking and practical jokes. The youngest child rules the day.
Art – Massacre of the Innocents, Peter Paul Rubens, 17c.
Music – ‘Coventry Carol’ sung by Pentatonix, origin and lyrics