Titus 2:11-14

New International Version

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. .

For Encouragement

Christmas is all about the birth of Christ, and Christ is the embodiment of the grace of God. From Eden through biblical history to the unprecedented event of the Bethlehem birth (Lk. 2:6-7), God’s grace has moved His redemptive agenda in diverse ways and at various times. Through shadows and types, God informed the outworking of His grace in the promised Messiah through redemptive history.

The reality came when the set time had fully come (Gal. 4:4). The virgin prophesied by Isaiah conceived (Is.7:14) and gave birth on a cold wintery night in Bethlehem.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given (9:6).

Upon His shoulders, the government of the Davidic kingdom will rest (Lk. 1:31-33). So, out in the fields, the angel announced this royal birth to some shepherds tending their flocks.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger (2:10-12).

The angelic orchestra serenaded the Savior’s birth with a joyful rendition of Gloria in Excelsis Deo:

Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests (14).

So, this morning, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, remember His life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. Paul wrote about His incarnation this way in Titus:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

The manger baby we celebrate is the incarnation of the grace of God (Jn. 1:14) that has worked throughout His redemption history. He is the epiphany of the glory of the Most High, who is the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:22).

Having, by faith, received this grace for our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), let us allow Him to teach us His ways, forsaking all ungodliness and worldly passion as we wait for the blessed hope—the second coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has redeemed us from all wickedness and has purified us for Himself as His special possession, a people eager to do good works (Titus 2:12-14; Col. 1:13-14; 1 Pt. 1:18-19, 2:9; 1 Thess. 4:16-17).

This narrative is the Christmas message we celebrate today. Let us rejoice and share it at our dinner tables and with other gifts we bring along. Remember, whatever you do today, whether you eat or drink, do it all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

Pray with Me

We rejoice at the memory of our Savior’s birth today. Thank you, Father, for Christ Jesus, the word made flesh to dwell among us. Help us behold your glory, the glory of your only begotten, full of grace and truth. Amen!

Merry Christmas!