Today’s Reading: Romans 4:1-5:11, Psalm 31

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have PEACE with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and JOYfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. – Romans 5:1-2

Our study of Revelation over the last three weeks has caused a joyful anticipation of all that is coming, but perhaps it has also caused some fear or concern for others. But we serve a God of peace who wants us to look ahead with confidence and assurance. One day we will experience the glory of God in a new way, and that is something to celebrate.

Today is the first day of Advent, a season to focus on the birth of Christ as well as the anticipation of Jesus’ return. What perfect timing for us to move from John’s revelation of what is to come to the anticipation we experience when we focus on the Christ Child. In alignment with the tradition of Advent, we will journey through the experience of hope, peace, joy and love — all four of which are referred to in Romans chapter five, along with the theological concepts of faith and grace.

Consider the example of Abraham. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping (4:18). God had made him a promise and Abraham never wavered in believing that God would be faithful, and so his faith grew stronger (4:20). He stood in confidence that God is able to do what He promised He would do. And God counted him as righteous because of his faith, just as He does for those of us who believe in Him — the One who raised Jesus from the dead.

He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. – Romans 4:25

The story of our salvation is woven into the Christmas story. So let’s spend the next four weeks intentionally spending time in God’s presence. Let’s study His Word by the light of the Christmas tree, and once again experience the wonder of all the Lord has done for us. May hope, peace, joy and love be multiplied in our lives through our faith in God and the undeserved gift of His grace.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident HOPE of salvation. And this HOPE will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his LOVE. – Romans 5:3-5

Looking back over 2025, your mind may focus on the hardest moments and the biggest challenges, but today’s passage of scripture is reminding us to rejoice in our problems — to find joy in our struggles and a hope that can be described as confidence. For the Lord takes these difficult times in our lives and uses them to strengthen our character, to shape us into who He created us to be. And the scars of our sorrow, along with the impact of the pain, leave behind an anticipation of what is ahead. Consider these same verses as paraphrased in The Message:

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! – Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

I must admit, this last year was not an easy one for me. As I experienced a new yet familiar loss, I found myself crying out to God. As I prayed, I found myself continually going back to these words, “I’m just so disappointed, Lord. I want to trust you with all of this pain and with what is ahead but I am struggling. I know you are good and I know you are faithful, but I need you to help me find my confidence in you again.” The God of all comfort used His Spirit at work in my heart to heal and to soothe as He reminded me of His love. I need the reminder of God’s faithfulness this Christmas season in different ways than I needed it last year, and perhaps you do also. Come, Jesus come.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. – Romans 5:6-11

Lord, thank you for your generosity daily poured into my life. I am so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart and for the confident hope I have in you. Lord, continue to take the struggles I have experienced in this life and use them to create in me a new strength of character for the sake of your eternal purposes. I am coming to you for a transformational Christmas season as I soak in the story of the gift of your Son. May my heart be forever changed by the HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE reflected in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

​​But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
My future is in your hands…
Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord! – Psalm 31:14-15a,23-24