First Sunday after Christmas (1885)

The apostle Paul calls the mystery of Christmas "the mystery of godliness" 1 that saves those who heartily believe it. Even though there are people who misuse the word of free grace in Christ, the incarnate Son of God, the Word is not to blame.2 Luke 2:33-40 The fact that faith in the incarnate Son of God makes godly people; we see this in 1. Joseph and Mary; who marveled at this3, a. over what? b. how? Not in unbelief, but in faith with heartfelt joy and holy fear. 2. a. b. c. 3. a. b. c. Simeon4, he blessed . Joseph and Mary, . the little Child. he gave evidence about the little Child as the one Savior, he held to the little Child, even though so many stumble on Him and contradict Him; Anna5; she lived godly, she praised the Lord, she witnessed about Christ. Gnther

1 2

1 Timothy 3:16. Titus 2:11-12. 3 Luke 2:33. 4 Luke 2:25-26, 34-35. 5 Luke 2:36-37.