This post is adapted fromGospel Sermons: Volume 1by C. F. W. Walther.

Today’s text [Matthew 2:1–12] related the first revelation of the newborn Savior to the heathen. In the past twelve days we have, so to speak, celebrated the Christmas of the Jews. Today we celebrate the Christmas of the heathen; this concerns us above all, we who descend from heathen ancestors. Therefore, we are in order to mention today that work by which ever more heathen should be brought to the knowledge of their Savior; I mean mission work.

Easter Sunday has come and His Church rejoices in the beauty and wonder of the resurrection. Christ has defeated sin, death, and the devil himself, and the heavens and earth celebrate for weeks to come. The season of Easter is truly a time of rejoicing in Christ’s victory. Read C. F. W. Walther’s sermon on the true joy of Easter below from Gospel Sermons I .

The idea of predestination can be difficult to understand. Are Christians truly saved simply by Baptism and belief in Christ, or is there human effort that is needed? Are Christians predestined to salvation? Read C. F. W. Walther’s explanation on the topic of predestination below to learn more.

In a few short days, we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a monumental event, and C. F. W. Walther agrees. As a devotion for this significant celebration, we read Walther’s Christmas Day sermon below from Gospel Sermons Volume 1.

On Christmas Day, 1881, C. F. W. Walther was invited to preach on predestination at a church in Macoupin County, Illinois. This day also coincided with the church’s anniversary, and Walther took the opportunity to address the intimidating topic in light of Ephesians 1:3–6. This sermon is featured in the newest volume in the Walther’s Works series, Predestination.