Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God – the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who were called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-7 (NIV)
In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, Paul is introduced to the Christians in Rome. Scholars suggest that much of what the Roman Christians know about Paul’s theology was second hand, that it came from his acquaintances that lived among them. Paul states that he is a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart to tell the Good News.
As I started to write this devotion, I shared the start with my wife. She asked, “What does this have to do with Christmas?” I decided to consult AI and this was the response:
At Christmas, we celebrate more than a birth—we celebrate the arrival of God’s long-promised hope. In Romans 1:1-7, Paul reminds us that the gospel was “promised beforehand,” and Christmas is the moment those promises took on flesh. The child in the manager is proof that God keeps His word, even when the waiting feels long.
Paul also describes Jesus as both the Son of David and the Son of God—fully human, fully divine. Christmas shows us that God chose to come close, to enter our world not with power and spectacle, but with humility, vulnerability, and love. He understands our struggles because He stepped into them.
And just as Paul was “called,” Christmas reminds us that each of us is invited into God’s story. The shepherds, the wise men, Mary and Joseph—all ordinary people whom God drew near. Paul writes that we are “loved by God and called to be His own.” Christmas is our yearly reminder that God’s love reaches all people, regardless of background, past, or status.
Finally, Paul greets the church with “grace and peace,” the very gifts Jesus came to bring. In a noisy and anxious world, Christmas invites us to pause and receive those gifts anew—and then to carry them into our homes, workplaces, and relationships.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does it mean to you to be a servant of Jesus?
- Have you felt called, sent by, and set apart to tell others about Jesus?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love for us! Thank you for sending Jesus to bring us back to you. Help us to use the gifts you have given us to share the good news of Jesus with others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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