"A Joyful Beginning"
Sermon for Christmas Day
Sermon Text: Isaiah 52: 7-10 (the return of the Lord to Zion)
Speaking to sinners in exile, Isaiah proclaims that the Lord himself returns to comfort, redeem, and save his people, even though their suffering is the result of their own sin. Like Israel, we live under the judgment of sin and death, “dying as we die,” and need more than another chance—we need resurrection. Christmas announces that the eternal Word has entered history to make all things new, becoming our brother, a new Adam, and the first fruits of a restored humanity through his cross and resurrection. In Christ, sinners are cleansed, clothed in righteousness, reconciled to God, and set at peace with one another, freed to live as ambassadors of reconciliation. Christmas Day is therefore not the finish line, but the joyful beginning of God’s renewing work—new hearts, new lives, and even new beginnings where sin once brought separation.
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)