First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, NC
16 East Fifth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC   27870
252-537-4018,  office@fpcrr.com

2009 Advent Booklet, December 22, page 25

Titus 3:4-7

In this scripture passage, I found cause for introspection in two main phrases: not by works of righteousness which we have done and justified by his grace.

As we approach the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth and reflect on the meaning of this supreme gift, I believe it is important to remember that we are undeserving of such a gift. That God has truly taken mercy on humanity and blessed us with the gift of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ’s birth is not an earned gift – God did not give his only son because humanity was so righteous and good. Rather I find, not an earned gift, but a gift of opportunity – an opportunity to have a renewed sense of justification and reason, an opportunity to reflect and serve the highest purpose. God has given us this gift, this opportunity, to live a life of service and peace-making, to be ministers of His grace for others as a sign of the mercy from which we benefit. Humanity is given a new purpose, a new reason, and a new covenant. We are not here to serve our own desires. We are here to carry on the work of God and bring Christ’s peace into all our worlds. Christ’s birth has given justification to our existence. His humanity provides for us a real example of Christian action and embodies the perfect relationship between God and humanity. May we remember, especially during this Advent season, that this gracious gift is also an opportunity to carry on God’s work given by the example of Jesus Christ.

Rebecca Ledebuhr