Saturday, December 21, 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Titus 2:11-3:8

The author of this letter, one of three pastoral letters in the New Testament, captures what we understand to be the Kin(g)dom of God, or God's Reign.  This portion of the letter to Titus speaks of "the already-but-not-yetness" of God's reign.  And the season of Advent addresses that same concept.  We wait expectantly for the coming of the Christ-child - the one who has already been born.  And, as well, we await the return of Jesus, as the Christ, the one who will complete and perfect this kin(g)dom. 
 
For me, what is far more important than the meaning of "already-but-not-yet", is the question of what we should do as we wait and prepare for this remarkable event.  There are many things: reading this blog regularly, might be one.  But, as we seek to live out the good news of the Gospel that Jesus taught and himself lived, there is more.  How can we use the verses from this New Testament letter to assist us?  How about "be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, show every courtesy to everyone"? (Titus 3:1-2)
Perhaps an even more practical way to live out this madate is to "pay-it-forward."  The House of Friendship, one of our region's numerous agencies that assist those in need, has mounted a great programme called "12 Days for Good" in which we are encouraged to find ways of caring for others through our actions.

In these days leading up to the celebration of Christmas, as we are able, why not find ways of bringing the joy and love of Christmas to others in our community?

-Rev'd Paul Kett