December 25: The Grace That Teaches Us

Merry Christmas. Whatever this day holds, grace has appeared, and it came for you.

Paul’s letter to Titus has a short summary of what Christmas means. The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. That’s the baby in the manger. Grace with skin on. God’s undeserved kindness, walking into the world.

But notice what grace does next. It instructs us. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Grace doesn’t just forgive. It trains. It doesn’t leave you where it found you.

That word soberly is worth noticing on Christmas Day. In Paul’s language, it meant self-controlled, clear-minded, sensible. Not only about alcohol, but certainly including it. And it’s grace, not willpower, that teaches it.

That’s a big deal for people in recovery. Many tried to get sober on their own strength, and it didn’t hold. White-knuckling. Promises. Resolutions. Then something changed. They stopped trying to earn God’s favor and received His grace instead. And grace began teaching them a new way to live. Day by day. Step by step.

You’re living proof of that, if you’re sober today. It’s not because you’re stronger than other people. It’s because grace showed up and started teaching. That’s worth celebrating.

Today, enjoy the good things. The food. The people. The gifts. The quiet moments. Thank God for each one. You’re present for this Christmas in a way you may not have been for others. That’s a gift too.

If today is hard, keep it simple. Get to a meeting if there’s one nearby. Many hold special gatherings on Christmas Day. Call someone. Read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Remember that the same grace that appeared in Bethlehem is with you in whatever room you’re in.

And somewhere today, look for one person who needs to hear about this grace. That’s Step Twelve on Christmas.

One thing today

Read Luke 2:1-20 today, slowly. Then thank God for one specific way His grace has taught you to live differently this year.

A prayer

Lord Jesus, You are grace that appeared for me. Thank You for saving me, and for teaching me to live soberly. Thank You for this Christmas. Keep teaching me, one day at a time. Amen.

To read more on faith and drinking, see what the Bible says about alcohol.

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