Title: The Kindness and Love of God Our Savior: A Christmas Reflection on Titus 3:4–7 and Luke 2:15–20
As we continue to dwell within the holy Octave of Christmas, the Church places before us, on this seventh day, two profound readings that illuminate both the mystery of the Incarnation and the grace that flows from it: Titus 3:4–7 and Luke 2:15–20. In the glow of the Nativity, amidst the humble setting of Bethlehem, we are invited to contemplate not only what God has done in time but what He continues to do in souls through His mercy and grace.
I. “The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared” (Titus 3:4)
In this brief yet theologically rich passage from St. Paul’s Epistle to Titus, we are reminded of the true cause of our salvation: not our works, but God’s mercy, revealed through the appearing of Christ.
“But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared, not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost…” (Titus 3:4–5)
St. Paul is clearly referring to the Incarnation and the subsequent sacramental economy, particularly Baptism, the laver of regeneration. The Greek word for “kindness” (chrēstotēs) and “love of mankind” (philanthrōpia) hearkens to the tender mercy of God which is made manifest in the birth of Jesus.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem explains:
“He came not with fire to burn, nor with the sword to smite, but with love and mercy, to bring back the lost sheep.” (Catechetical Lectures, Lecture XII)
Thus, the Nativity is not merely a charming story of a Child born in a manger—it is the visible epiphany of God’s mercy. As St. Ambrose remarks:
“He is born, not of necessity, but of His mercy; not under compulsion, but out of love.” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, II.41)
The Church Father’s teaching resonates with the liturgy of this day, which continues to echo with the joy of the Word made flesh, not for angels, but for us, unworthy though we are.
II. The Shepherds: Witnesses of the Divine Humility (Luke 2:15–20)
The Gospel continues the narrative of Christmas night. Having received the angelic message, the shepherds make haste to Bethlehem:
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this word that has come to pass, which the Lord hath shown unto us.” (Luke 2:15)
The shepherds represent the anawim, the humble poor of Israel, whose hearts are attuned to God. They obey promptly and joyfully, becoming the first pilgrims to adore the Christ Child. St. Gregory the Great sees in them a model for our own approach to the mysteries of God:
“They hasten, for when we begin to believe, we must advance by works of love.” (Homily on the Gospels, 8.1)
Indeed, true faith is never static. The shepherds go, they see, they adore—and then they make known the Word.
“And all that heard wondered… But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:18–19)
There is a twofold response here: the external marveling of the crowd, and the interior meditation of Mary. The former is good; the latter is better, more enduring. St. Bede the Venerable writes:
“To keep in the heart and ponder signifies a more careful and attentive meditation, lest what is heard be lost in forgetfulness.” (Homilies on the Gospels, I.7)
Mary becomes the model for contemplative souls, teaching us that the mysteries of the Incarnation are to be not only announced but meditated upon.
III. The Sacred Octave: Living in the Light of the Nativity
Within this sacred Octave, each day is a liturgical extension of Christmas Day. The Church places before us various facets of the Incarnation: from the martyrdom of St. Stephen to the innocence of the Holy Infants, to the theological truths enshrined in the Epistles.
On this seventh day, we see clearly that the birth of Christ is the source of both doctrine and devotion:
- Doctrine, in Titus 3: Christ’s coming brings a new life of grace, through the Holy Spirit, poured out upon us.
- Devotion, in Luke 2: the humble shepherds adore and proclaim; Mary contemplates and treasures.
In the words of St. Leo the Great:
“Let the just rejoice, seeing the palm of victory at hand. Let the sinner be glad, for he is invited to pardon. Let the Gentile be emboldened, for he is called to life.” (Sermon I on the Nativity)
Conclusion: A Child Born to Save and Sanctify
As we approach the close of this Octave, may we not lose the grace it offers. Let us pray for the humility of the shepherds, the contemplation of the Blessed Virgin, and the firm faith taught by St. Paul. Let us return, like the shepherds, glorifying and praising God for all that we have heard and seen (Lk 2:20), knowing that in the manger lies not only a Child, but the font of mercy and the door to eternal life.
“Christ is born, glorify Him. Christ from heaven, go out to meet Him. Christ on earth, be exalted.” – St. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 38
Suggested Prayer for the Day:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst reveal Thy mercy by taking upon Thyself our flesh and being born of the Virgin Mary, grant that we who adore Thee in Thy Nativity may be renewed by the laver of regeneration and rejoice in the hope of eternal life. Amen.