A long time ago, when baby Jesus was born, King Harrod found out and became scared, and jealous of the Son of God. He ordered all the baby boys, two years and younger, of Bethlehem to be killed in hopes that Jesus would be among them. His mother and father, Mary and Joseph stole away to Egypt and were saved, but countless innocents died that night. The fourth day of Christmas is set aside in memory of those children, the very first martyr's.

The young mother stood by the window, her shawl wrapped around her child nestled to her breast. He was sleeping comfortably, but she was wide-awake, her eyes huge and fearful. They had to leave in minutes to present any possible way of escape… but Mary could not draw herself away from that window. She knew that Harrod was about to send troops down to slaughter the children.

She stroked her own sleeping child's face, her heart full of turmoil.

Oh little boy, if you only you knew what was about to happen... what you do then?

She loved him more then anything, more then the world, and she knew what his birth meant for the salvation of her people. But the fact that so many children were going be murdered on their account drove nails through her heart.

Someone entered the room behind her and she jumped, covering her baby with her body to defend him. But it was only Joseph, weary and anxious.

"Mary, we must go. The men will start to come any moment."

But Mary lingered near the window. Joseph grabbed her elbow and pulled at her, his voice cracking with fear for his family.

"Mary, Mary, please. We must go. We must…"

Mary finally allowed herself to be taken away, but not without one last glance out the window.

Forgive me…

Once they were on the way on the back of two horses, Joseph visibly relaxed. But Mary didn't, her face was pale and drawn. It was not long before baby Jesus rustled in his blankets and scrunched up his little face, not happy with his surroundings. Mary stroked his head and sang softly,

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay…

/Done 12/2 Heh. The one thing I swore never to do, I did. Funny how irony works huh?

In my choir at school we're singing the Coventry carol, a beautiful but very sad song. It inspired me to write this. Any Critique and comments are loved and adored. Flames will be posted on a wall of shame.

/Darling Kat