THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – CHRISTMAS XII

LESSON: ROMANS 5:15-17

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

He who does not have the faith which believes that Christ with His every blessing is his very own, does not have true faith, and is not a Christian. His heart also cannot be truly joyful and happy. For true faith will make Christians joyful and happy, sure and blessed, as God’s dear children in whom the Holy Spirit also dwells. What a lovely, bright and precious garment this is, to which is attached the most costly adornment, jewels, and gems, every kind of virtue, grace, wisdom, truth, righteousness, and whatever else there is in Christ. Little wonder that Paul exclaims, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

St. Peter joins him when he speaks of “his precious and very great promises.” 2 Peter 1:4. This is Joseph’s many-colored robe which his father made for him in preference to all his other children (Genesis 37:3), for Christ alone is full of grace and truth. This is likewise the special garment of the high priest Aaron in which he served God and on which we could say a great deal.

Just as we put on Christ and receive Him as our own, so He also puts us on and receives us to Himself with all that is ours, as though we were His own possession. He finds nothing good in us because we are full of sins. These He takes upon Himself and drives them from us.

SL.XII.267,55
AE 76,21

PRAYER: O Lord, bless us richly in and through your Word, that our hearts may be filled with real joy and happiness and become the dwelling of your Holy Spirit, for Christ our Savior’s sake. Amen.