Our Advent Word for Monday, December 22nd is Declared. It is taken from the Epistle reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent. Romans chapter 1 includes: Paul, a servant* of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit* of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
The dictionary says declared means “to make known formally, officially, or explicitly”. Paul makes the point that all the prophecies regarding the Messiah were fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all of which declares him to be “Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead.” God also declares Jesus to be the Son at his baptism, transfiguration, and in John’s gospel when the Greeks ask to meet him. It is, in this sense, a royal edict, a holy announcement, an affirmative statement as to who Jesus was and is and will be. Our Lord.