Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. - Matthew 1:18-19 (ESV)

What's your favorite Christmas movie? There are all kinds of unforgettable characters that surround Christmas - Frosty, Rudolph, Buddy, Kevin, and John McClane to name a few, but one I've been thinking about recently is Ebenezer Scrooge. The original Bah Humbug himself calls us to consider the path that we are on and how it potentially could lead us to happiness or destruction. That's the morality of Christmas. Be kind, nice, and generous especially at Christmas. We might think that the point of Christmas is not to end up on the 'naughty list'.

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. - Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)

It's not how you start, but how you finish. This week, we finish an almost 2 year-long journey though the book of Romans. As we have unfolded this book we have seen the glories of the gospel and its implications. What have you learned along the way? What has impacted you?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; - Psalm 136:1-3 (ESV)

The other day my son was asked to do a typical holiday writing assignment, but something about it struck me. They were told to write a couple paragraphs each talking about a person they need to thank. What a great idea! Having the kids consider those in their life to which to display gratitude is important. However, what struck me is the way the assignment could easily be answered on the horizontal. We should be grateful to those around us. Scripture commands it, but there is something more.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. - Romans 16:17-18 (ESV)

Ever play the game 2 Truths & A Lie? In this party game, you go around a circle and one person says 2 things about themselves that are true about themselves and one 'truth'. The goal is to figure out who are the best liars. It's a fun game and a great ice breaker. This same game is not fun when it comes to the gospel, but often times that is how error creeps in. Things sound good. The person is eloquent. So what they say has to be true. Right?

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. - Esther 1:10-12 (ESV)

Do you ever look around this world and wonder where God is in all of this? Does it feel like he is absent? Or maybe He just doesn't care? It's not an uncommon feeling even among honest Christians. Did you know there is a book of the Bible where God is absent. It's the only one where He is never even mentioned.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. - Romans 16:16 (ESV)

One of the traditions of Hope during our gathered worship is to have scripture read by an individual from the congregation. (BTW: If you would like to read I'm always looking for folks.) It's great to hear God's Word together. One consistent question I've heard when I ask is, 'Does this passage have any weird names or places in it? And if so, can you help me figure out how to pronounce them?' That's one of the reasons we won't have anyone read the passage we are going to look at this week. It is filled with names. It's a passage we might easily skip or skim when we are reading.