This sermon invites listeners to look at the familiar Christmas story and the gospel with “fresh eyes,” like seeing an old fork as a new “dinglehopper,” by focusing on Paul’s introduction in Romans 1 and the true meaning of the gospel as good news, not good advice. It emphasizes that Christianity is centered on what God has already done in Jesus Christ—through his life, death, and resurrection—rather than on human effort or moral improvement. Paul proclaims that both Jews and Gentiles are called to belong to Jesus, receiving a new status as God’s loved and holy people through faith. Righteousness, the sermon explains, is not something we achieve but a title given to believers because of Christ’s righteousness, with obedience flowing naturally from faith as allegiance and loyalty to King Jesus. Ultimately, the message points from the manger to the cross, declaring that Jesus has changed God’s regard toward humanity, justifying believers by faith, assuring salvation, and calling all people to believe, belong, and live transformed lives in response to this joyful good news.