Our Scripture meditation is based on Romans 1:1-7, next week’s Epistle Lesson.
[1] Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, [2] which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, [3] concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh [4] and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, [5] through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, [6] including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, [7] To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What a wonderful passage for reminding us of the true “reason for the season”.
We all know the challenge of keeping Christmas about Christ. Family commitments. Work parties. Christmas traditions, formal and informal, that must be observed. Society coopting Christmas to make it anything but the celebration of the Savior. I still cringe every time I hear a Christmas tree called a “holiday tree”.
Some years we long for Christmas Eve to arrive, no to celebrate the Christ Child, but to plop down on a pew and exhale.
As we’re now in the midst of this chaos, the Apostle Paul reminds us why we celebrate this season. He tells us Jesus was descended from “David according to the flesh”(v. 3). This means Jesus is fully human. We’re also told Jesus is the Son of God, meaning Jesus is fully God. (v. 4). Because Jesus is true God, Jesus was not born under the curse of original sin. Our sins would ultimately drove Jesus to the cross, where He willingly paid the price for our sins. In Jesus’ resurrection (v. 4), He provided proof positive that our sins are forgiven.
What wonderful passage to remind that Jesus is the “reason for the season”.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 