Third Saturday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 23, 2023
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Today’s Texts:
Titus 3:4-7: We are saved, not because of our works because of God’s kindness and mercy.

Psalm 130:5-8: A deep longing and hope in God’s sure and faithful redemption.

Titus 3:4-7

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Psalm 130

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities

Today’s Meditation:   Titus speaks to the heart of grace, emphasizing that our salvation is a gift of divine kindness and mercy, not a result of our own deeds. This message underscores the inclusive and unconditional nature of God’s love – a love that embraces all, irrespective of our past. Psalm 130 complements this with a deep sense of longing and hope, rooted in the assurance of God’s redemption. These scriptures invite us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with the Divine – one that is based on grace, mercy, and trust. Today, let us embrace this gift of grace, allowing it to free us from the burden of past mistakes and guide us towards a future filled with hope and redemption.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• How does understanding salvation as a gift of grace impact your view of yourself and others?
• What practices can help you cultivate a deeper sense of hope and trust in God’s redemptive love?

A Prayer For Today:

Source of Mercy, on this day in Advent, we thank You for the gift of grace and redemption. Help us to fully embrace Your love, freeing us from our past and guiding us towards a future filled with hope. May we live each day in the light of Your mercy, sharing this gift with others through our words and actions. Amen.