Sermon for Christmas Day 2022. The Scripture readings are Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38; Titus 3:4-7; and John 1:1-18.
\u201cWhen the goodness and loving kindness of our God and Savior appeared, He saved us\u201d (Tit. 3:4-7). The loving-kindness in Greek is philanthropia, where we get our word \u2018philanthropy\u2019 \u2013 lover of man. God Himself is the ultimate philanthropist. He has appeared in the flesh of Jesus to love you by saving you.
You aren\u2019t saved by doing all sorts of good, righteous works. You are saved by God\u2019s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. And God pours His Holy Spirit out on you richly through Jesus Christ, your Savior.
God has come to earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14) \u2013 literally, He tabernacled among us. And by His tabernacling with us, He is made known.
In Jesus God, makes Himself known as your Savior, your King, your Deliverer.