11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Titus 2:11-14 NRSV
Here the Apostle Paul writes to Titus to prepare for the manifestation of our Lord and Savior in his glory. Here in this text we see the heart of salvation (“He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity...”) and the hope for our future (“while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”).
Advent is a time to remind ourself of our need to be prepared for that event — the coming of our Lord in glory. It is too easy to confuse Advent as merely a preparation for the Christmas holiday — or worse — as part of that holiday.
During the month of December we run about to all of our Christmas dinners and parties — we tick off the items on our shopping list as we run from mall to mall and store to store. We get so wrapped up in the commercialism of the season that we forget to prepare ourselves for something that is far greater. To be prepared for that day when our Lord will be manifested in glory.
Our Lord was born in Bethlehem long ago and those closest to his earthly ministry saw his glory “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NRSV). He was glorified as he ascended into heaven and we will share in his glory at his coming. “For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14 NRSV).
So let us accept his gift of salvation and live lives that are godly.
Lord,
help is to renounce those passions
that would take us away from you,
that we may live lives of godliness
and prepare ourselves for the day you
come in glory.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.