Listen

From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for God’s good news. God promised this good news about his Son ahead of time through his prophets in the holy scriptures. His Son was descended from David. He was publicly identified as God’s Son with power through his resurrection from the dead, which was based on the Spirit of holiness. This Son is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 1:1-4

Think

“And the Oscar goes to…”

Every time I hear that phrase my body tenses up with anticipation. Who is going to get the award? Who is about to be recognized? Sometimes the pause seems to go on forever.

In Romans 1:1-4, I feel that same anticipation. Paul begins to talk about this “good news” about “God’s son.” In verse 4 there seems to be a grand announcement — “This Son is Jesus Christ our Lord.” I feel like there sound be a trumpet fanfare there. Don’t you?

If I am honest, sometimes not only is there not a trumpet fanfare, there is hardly an announcement. Amidst the food, family, and fun, Jesus gets left in the nativity scene. In this passage, Paul reminds us that it is all about Jesus. It is all about this good news. It’s all about Jesus Christ being our Lord. It’s worth getting excited about!

Where can you find Jesus in your holiday celebration this year? Should you start looking now?

Dale Tadlock

Pray

Jesus, my Lord, as I approach the celebration of Christmas, prepare my heart. Soften my heart and of those around me to anticipate your presence. Give me the grace to experience your love this week. Help me to overflow so with your love that others will be blessed by your presence through me. Thank you for the greatest love I have ever received. Amen.

Go

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

from “The Summons,” John Bell, 1987