In dulci iubilo

Luther’s Christmas sermons 1525-1530 constitute an identifi -able entity. In his yearly efforts to present the “old” announcement tohis congregation, he uses a set structure. He retells Luke’s gloomy birthnarrative from a historical point of view and introduces, in markedcontrast, the angelic revelation of the divine secret behind this humbleappearance. The pronouncement of a saviour born “to you/us/ me”is the fi rst and fundamental sermon in the new dispensation. Joy andpraise remain its response. Luther’s integral use of liturgical celebrationis viewed in relation to the preaching by esp. Bernard of Clairvaux,whom he admired greatly. It is furthermore argued that his consciousaffi liation to traditional elements of worship is not only a product ofhis confrontation with the “spiritualists”, but can also be seen as anacknowledgement of the sermon’s function in service and the need oftalking and catechizing to the senses