Holy Innocents | 12.28.2025 | Rev Scott Smith, STS

Описание: In this sermon for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Pastor Scott reminds us that the arrival of Christ—both in history and in our own lives—always provokes a reaction. Drawing from Scripture and the Gospel account of Herod and the slaughter of the infants of Bethlehem, he shows how Jesus’ birth immediately stirred opposition from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Pastor Scott reflects on how we often “sanitize” or soften the Christmas story, overlooking the hardship, danger, and suffering surrounding Christ’s birth. Jesus was born into a world with no room for Him, and that rejection would mark His life and ministry. From Herod’s fear to modern cultural resistance, the presence of Christ continues to expose rebellion against God’s authority and grace.

This opposition is not only external—it also arises within our own sinful nature, which resists salvation by grace alone. Yet Christ did not come to give us a comfortable life in this world. He came to rescue us from the world, the flesh, and the devil, forgiving our sins and uniting us to Himself to give eternal life.

Though following Christ brings trials, we are not to be surprised by them. The One who has the final word has already spoken it over us: we are forgiven, redeemed, and held securely in Christ. In the midst of every trial, we are invited to trust Him and rest in His peace.

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