Christmas Day Service--Luther's Words...regarding The Angels Marvel at the Incarnation

It is not for the angels to be proud of Christ's incarnation, for Christ did not assume an angelic but a human nature.  Therefore it would not be a surprise if the angels looked at us with envy in their eyes because we human beings, creatures far inferior to them and sinners besides, are placed above them into an honor so high and great.  They worship Christ, who has become our Brother, our flesh and blood; and yet they are not envious but gladly grant us the honor and are sincerely pleased by the fact that Christ is our Brother.  They marvel at the human nature in Christ; and yet the honor and glory are not theirs but ours.  And we human beings are unable to rejoice and be proud of it….Is this not a great pity?  Accursed of God be this wretched unbelief!


(WLS #458)