For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14
Christmas can come and go without Christians truly considering what the season means. Without proper effort and diligence Christians can easily adopt the world's erroneous view of Christmas. The world will celebrate the season with a vague principle called the "Christmas spirit" - general benevolence and mutual encouragement to be a little nicer than before. Or the world will tout a false gospel of "peace" exhorting nations, political leaders, and governments to lay aside their bombs, armaments, and disagreements. But how does the Apostle Paul react to the coming of Christ? Paul responded with praise and shouts of joy because of an actual event in history. God's grace appeared, not merely in a teaching or a principle, but in a real person whom Paul declares is "our great God and Savior".