Christ is Born! Blessings to all....

Complete Sermons of Martin Luther
Volume I, p. 113 (1.1:113)
ed., John Nicholas Lenker

From Martin Luther’s Sermon for Christmas Day Luke 2:1-14

"Faith is first, and it is right that we recognize it as most important in every Word of God. It is of no value, only to believe that this history is true as it is written; for all sinners, even those condemned believe that. The Scripture, God's Word, does not teach concerning faith: that it is a natural work, without grace. The right and gracious faith which God demands is, that you firmly believe that Christ is born for you, and that this birth took place for your welfare. The Gospel teaches that Christ was born, and that He did and suffered everything in our behalf, as is here declared by the angel: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people; for there is born to you this day a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord." In these words you clearly see that He is born for us.

He does not simply say, Christ is born, but to you He is born, neither does he say, I bring glad tidings, but to you I bring glad tidings of great joy. Furthermore, this joy was not to remain in Christ, but it shall be to all the people. This faith no condemned or wicked man has, nor can he have it; for the right ground of salvation which unites Christ and the believing heart is that they have all things in common."