But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Titus 3: 4-6

This Christmas day may look a bit different this year. Life has a way of making sure we feel powerless at times and 2020 has been a daily reminder of just how much we need the assistance of others, whether we want to admit it or not.

A friend of mine once described how he lost his faith in God. He had been a devout man who attended church “religiously.” I listened as he said that he felt that attending church and treating others properly should have protected him from some of the hardships of life. So, when the worst happened, he decided to shut off his faith in God. His effort to earn a good life had failed and so he walked away.

Christmas Day reminds us of this and the passage above states it plainly. When God’s goodness appeared through the Savior, He saved us. We didn’t save ourselves. We can’t be good enough. But by His mercy, we are saved.

We all know that Christmas is more than presents and meals and time with family. It is those things, but so much more. So, as we enter this final week or so of 2020, take a moment to consider how God has shown His mercy in your life this year.