Epiphany Sermon in Wittenberg

On Epiphany in the early Reformation era, Martin Luther preached in Wittenberg on the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the place of Mary within it. Epiphany, celebrating the revelation of Christ to the nations, pressed the church to confess not only who Jesus is, but how He truly came among us.

In a day when debates raged over Mary’s conception and Christ’s nature, Luther spoke with pastoral courage. He affirmed that Mary, like every child of Adam, was conceived in sin, yet he also confessed God’s merciful intervention: the Holy Spirit purified her flesh and blood so that from her the Son of God took a real human body—fully human, yet without sin. The point was not to magnify human merit, but to magnify divine grace that prepares what it requires.

Mary and the Sanctifying Work of the Spirit

Luther’s emphasis guarded two truths at once: the universality of human fallenness and the holiness of Christ. Scripture is plain about our inherited corruption: “Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5). Yet Scripture is equally clear that the child conceived in Mary was the Holy One: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35).

Mary’s faith shines as humble obedience to God’s word, not as a ladder of self-achievement. Her blessing is the blessing of receiving: she believed, and God acted.

Christ’s True Humanity, Our Certain Hope

This Epiphany proclamation also defended the gospel against every attempt to make salvation depend on human purity. If Christ’s humanity is only apparent, He cannot truly stand in our place. If His holiness depends on human achievement, no sinner can be saved. The sermon instead directed hearts to the miracle of God-with-us: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14).

Luther’s heroism was not bravado but faithfulness—bold speech aimed at comfort. The Spirit who formed Christ’s sinless humanity is the Spirit who cleanses sinners, leading the church to marvel, repent, and trust God’s gracious, sanctifying action.