First Sunday after Christmas (1888)

In the holy gospel that has been preached so abundantly in previous festival days, the Lord Christ is so sweetly painted before our eyes, His kindness and geniality, His salvation that He has brought us so wonderfully praised, that one should think all the world would flow to Him and embrace this Savior. However, this is not so. In our Gospel text today we hear, etc. Luke 2:33-40 Jesus Christ, the firm Cornerstone from the Father, on Whom 1. some stumble and fall; namely those who a. do not deny their own wisdom, b. do not put their own righteousness next to His, c. do not let go of sins, d. do not want to enter into the kingdom of God through tribulations; 2. some stand upon; namely those who a. deny their own wisdom, know and admire Christ in faith1, b. trample on their own righteousness and rejoice only in Christ's righteousness2, c. live not for themselves, but serve the Lord out of gratitude3, d. persevere with Christ in suffering and wait for complete redemption.4

1 2

Luke 2:33. Luke 2:34-40. 3 Luke 2:37. 4 Luke 2:38.