December 25, 2022 - Christmas Day Sermon

Introit: Ps. 98:1-4; antiphon: Is. 9:6
Gradual: Ps. 118:26a, 27a, 23
Old Testament: Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38
Psalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)
Epistle: Titus 3:4-7
ProperVerse: Liturgical text
Gospel: John 1:1-14 (15-18)

The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh
In the beginning God created all things through His Word, His Son.  But man fell into sin, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore, God spoke His Word again, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38). "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1-14).  The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ's body, we are made partakers of a new Genesis, "the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-7). In Christ, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared.