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.

The sermon for The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Day), 2025.

Delivered by Rev. Tab Ottmers.

-----

This sermon connects the Old Testament tabernacle and John 1 to show that on Christmas, God becomes our dwelling place: the Word became flesh and set up residence among us. It explores how God’s exact blueprints and mercy—fulfilled in Jesus—repair our failed attempts to find refuge apart from Him.

Through Exodus, the Gospels, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, Rev. Ottmers emphasizes that Christ is the Master Builder who provides true shelter, righteousness, and restoration for sinners, culminating in the hope of resurrection and eternal rooms prepared by the Father.