Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the grace and mercy you sent to us through your Son. In the complete and total forgiveness, Jesus won for us; we celebrate the joy of Christmastide. The angels declared the good news of the world’s Savior to the shepherds; the one sent for refurbishing the world to you was lying there in that Bethlehem manger. Jesus came to redeem us from all our sins; without your grace and mercy, we remain lost in our lawlessness. Without Jesus, there is no true peace or joy; it is only as the world sees it, which is temporary and fleeting.
So be with us to reflect on what Jesus’ life and death mean for us. Jesus credited us with his perfection. You demanded that we love you and others faultlessly, but we cannot do it because of our sins. However, Jesus lived that life in our place and covered us with his perfection. Then in his innocent death, he took all our sins into himself, which means we are restored to you. These gifts are ours through faith in Jesus; by believing in him, we are covered in his righteousness, and he removes all our sins. His resurrection from the dead means we will never taste a permanent death, we will endure a temporary death, but even with that death, we will be with you. In Jesus’ second coming, our bodies will be raised, and we will be with you in heaven.
Strengthen our faith so that we will live godly, upright lives that give glory and honor to you as we wait for that blessed hope of heaven. Guide us to love you above all other things and love others as we love ourselves so that we would not be afraid to share the good news of our salvation and the joy of this holy day (holiday) season with others. Forgive us when we are selfish and restore us to you; in Jesus’ forgiveness is your grace and mercy. There is the undeserved love you have given us through your Son. Thank you for restoring us with you and giving us the joy of salvation. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
There is no joy until you realize the gravity of your situation and the extent of Jesus’ rescue mission for your soul. Jesus paid for your release, and suffered your punishment, so through faith in him, you are saved.