First Sunday After Christmas – Holy Innocents

In this sermon for the First Sunday after Christmas (Holy Innocents), Brandon reflects on Matthew’s account of Herod’s violence and the flight into Egypt. We see how the Christmas story confronts the reality of sin in a fallen world. We also see Joseph’s faithful obedience and how Jesus retraces Israel’s story, entering the geography of bondage to accomplish a true Exodus and redeem us under the law. While we lament the slaughter of the innocent we also proclaim the gospel’s reversal: God does not secure salvation by sacrificing the innocent, but by becoming the Innocent One who gives Himself, forgiving sins and guaranteeing deliverance.