Romans 15:7-13 (NRSV)
Read Romans 15:7-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Verse 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, Verse 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; Verse 10and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; Verse 11and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; Verse 12and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope."
Verse 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Devotion
By imploring the Roman churches to welcome each other, to live in harmony, Paul called them to exemplify the new society that God creates through Jesus Christ. This society represents the culmination of promises God made through the prophets about bringing the nations of the world (“gentiles”) to praise God alongside the people of Israel. Old identities and distinctions among people pass away in this society; its members are defined primarily by where we live: together, in Christ. Advent creates a setting for renouncing old divisions, rivalries and slanders. The season spurs us toward working to create new unities, that we might praise God in harmony with all God’s people.
Prayer
Lord of all; deliver us from our self-centered ways, which pop up even when we praise you. Let the promises of Advent spark in us a hope that understands the scope of your mercy to encompass all peoples. Amen.