In this week’s passage, Paul wraps up the thought begun in the last couple of verses. Although he is specifically speaking of the second coming of Christ, it is highly appropriate for this week before Christmas for us to remember.

You can see this passage in Titus 2:13-14:

Paul contrasts this present age with the one we are waiting for, and he uses a few specific phrases that are central to our faith, and to the meaning of Christmas as well.

First of all, he speaks of a “blessed hope.” Hope is not simple wishful thinking, as we tend to define it today. Rather, hope is anxiously waiting for something that is certain. And what is it that we are waiting for? Paul doesn’t allow us to wonder, he gives us that information right away: “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

This is perhaps one of the most beautifully phrased passages in the entire letter, if not in the entire New Testament. Our hope is centered on the return of Jesus, but is intricately connected with the first appearance, to which Paul will turn his attention next.

But first, Paul’s statement here reflects the deity of Christ. He is both God and Savior. And his return in imminent, for which we longingly wait.

That second coming is closely connected with his first appearance, when he came as a baby into this world to live among us. And that is the focus of Paul’s next phrase.

The first coming of Jesus was so that he could give himself for us. His purpose in becoming a man was so that he could become the perfect sacrifice. Christmas and Easter are intimately tied together in this. And Paul gives us two reasons why Jesus came in this verse.

First, he came to redeem us from wickedness. Since the Old Testament, God’s people have longed for a Redeemer, and one was promised throughout history. In Jesus, that redemption has occurred. The idea here is that Jesus rescues us from wickedness, from lawlessness, from sin.

Second, he came to purify us of himself. The death of Christ sets us free from sin, but it also cleanses us and purifies us so that we can live holy lives. 1 Peter 2:9 expands upon this idea. This is what the New Testament describes as sanctification, and the goal is to make the believer more like Jesus Christ.

The natural result of this is that the disciple, you and I, belong to Christ, and we desire to do what he does, those things that are good.

As we celebrate Christmas later this week, remember to keep your focus on that blessed hope that we expectantly long for, the return of Christ. We can look forward to that because he came as a baby to redeem us and prepare us to be his. Remember that hope as you celebrate his birth this week.

Merry Christmas!

Question: Do you long expectantly for that blessed hope of Christ’s return? You can leave a comment by clicking here.