Titus 3:4-7- But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
In 2nd Corinthians, God is called a “Father of compassion,” and “God of all comfort.” On this first week of Advent…
May we all dwell deeply in this gift of comfort at the start of what could be a frenetic season.
May we rest in His abundance, knowing we lack nothing in His presence.
May we accept our neediness and look to Him to fill our desperate desires.
He is here.
He is near.
Emmanuel—
God with us.
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay;
remember Christ, our Savior
was born on Christmas Day
to save us all from Satan's pow'r
when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
-English carol, 18th cent.