3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
As of December 3, 2023, we will be in the season of Advent. The church will be decorated in blue, the halls will be decked with boughs of holly (more or less), the Christmas tree will be up, and we will finally get to start singing some Christmas songs! Plus Thanksgiving is over, so Christmas songs can rightly be played on the radio.
Since it is the season of Advent, we all know that Christmas is the end of Advent. It is time for a couple annual reminders:
- Advent is the time of preparation.
- Christmas comes whether you are prepared or not.
- From Titus 3:5, “3:5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Advent is absolutely a season for preparation. But let us not get too caught up in our ability – or lack thereof – to be prepared. Each year people talk about the “true meaning of Christmas.” This is all right and good, the true meaning of Christmas must be talked about and we must be reminded of it. However, this also means that we need to be reminded of the true meaning of Advent – He, the Savior, is coming! And not only is He coming, but He has come!
So what does your season of preparation need to look like? Do you need to have the menu all ready so that Christmas dinner goes off without a hitch? Do all the presents need to be wrapped, the stockings neatly hung, the family time specifically planned out? Maybe that’s what your friends and family need. Let me tell you what your soul and God needs:
Jesus Christ was sent for you. God knows full well who you are. He sees you when you’re sleeping, He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good… STOP! Stop singing the song right there. The rest can be about Santa. God knows your whole being and sent His only Son for you anyways. Know that He has poured out His Spirit upon you through His Son.
If you know this, believe this, trust this, you are perfectly prepared this Advent season. May all this bring you tidings of comfort and joy.
This is most certainly true.
Pastor Max
