The sermon for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs, 2025.

Delivered by Rev. Tab Ottmers.

This sermon reflects on the Holy Innocents—the children killed by Herod—and the difficult reality of suffering that can follow times of joy. It considers how such tragedies test faith and refine hope.

Rev. Ottmers points to Christ’s cross and resurrection as the ultimate answer to death and suffering, and highlights baptism and God’s mercy as sources of comfort and restoration.

The sermon calls the church to remember the sacredness of life, to grieve with hope, and to trust in God’s victory over evil and death.