“…(as it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations‘) in the presence of Him whom he believed, that is, God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not exist.”
Romans 4:17
Growing up, Christmas was a truly special time. It was the records playing Christmas music on the record player, the colored lights on the tree and mantle glistening alongside the soft glow of a crackling fire, and the cold air—that brisk, fresh, yet biting crispness that’s properly resolved by a comfortable jacket or blanket.
But there was also the expectation, a glorious yet faintly painful yearning that permeated the season. Simply put, a sense of joy awaiting fulfillment grew as Christmas gradually approached, promising new presents, new memories with family and friends, and a renewed celebration for the Reason for the Season.
Over time, I realized that this joyful anticipation was more than an emotional experience. What began as a season shaped by my upbringing and our ways of celebrating Christmas expanded into a broader vision for Christmas. Through reflection, I’ve come to see that God was reshaping my view of Him. God became a man. God, as man, began His earthly life like every other human: weak, frail, and in need of provision, protection, and teaching. Christ learned to walk. He learned to talk. He learned. The Savior of the world entered our existence, growing in favor, stature, and wisdom with God and man, ultimately offering his life in a gruesome, shameful death to reconcile lost sinners to God.
This transforms my view of Christmas. I always need a renewed understanding of God. Business, distraction, and circumstances can quickly divert our focus. “He must increase and I must decrease.” Don’t we all need this? Our view of God must grow, our understanding and love for Him must expand, and our eyes must lift from the malaise of our situation to the everlasting I AM, so our love for others may abound.
This struck me again this morning while reading Romans 4:17 as part of my daily reading plan.
The simplicity and profundity of the verse struck me. The context is regarding Abraham as the forerunner of the faith. Before the Law, the Commandments, the sacrificial system, and more, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This sequence is crucial, especially for salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s promises—something Paul, commissioned by God (Acts 26:16-18), passionately articulates. Abraham, from the pagan family of Terah (Joshua 24:2), a Gentile by all accounts, believed God. What did he believe?
Paul explains in Romans 4:19-21: “Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that bcwhat God had promised, He was able also to perform.”
Abraham’s age and Sarah’s infertility didn’t stop him from trusting God’s Word. He believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
What promises about the gospel of Jesus Christ do we need to believe today? Take a moment to read and reflect on one or two of these verses: John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:16, 5:8-10; Galatians 2:20.
Answer these questions:
- What is God saying about Himself?
- Why would this matter to a sinner saved by grace?
- How might I apply this to my life today?
God help us. Amen.
— August 14, 2025