“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:1-4 NIV
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NIV
Eternal Father,
Paul wrote to Titus who he had left on the Island of Crete and with a fellowship of believers there. It is an incredible little letter. Timeless and familiar and yet full of the importance of correct doctrine. The opening verses bring eternity into focus. You God promised eternal life before the beginning of time (verse 2). Our salvation was planned before man, before anything. You did not get a good idea later. You were not surprised that Your creation had free will and wanted their own way.. You knew and went ahead because You loved what You made and had already planned our salvation. Nothing left to chance.
And then in chapter three, You, Father have Paul put into crystal clear words what You have done for us. Paul goes on how this should be worked out in our lives. I had to just linger here. We are preparing to celebrate Christmas and it is amazing to contemplate when You prepared before time for each event. Before You formed Adam and Eve and humanity, You prepared and were prepared to leave glory and power and majesty and be born one of us. And allow us to have power over You. And to forgive us for what we did. It is difficult to consider this season without considering Easter.
Keep us joyful at Your coming and forever grateful at Your giving and ever expectant for Your coming again.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 22nd December 2025
Not a carol I have really sung much, so its good to consider the words. Even if it is not yet the night we celebrate the night he was born!
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Lyrics: Placide Cappeau Translator: John Sullivan Dwight