.png)
CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 4:4: “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His son, born of a woman.”
The word “fullness” captured my attention as I recall lyrics of Christmas musicals, “at the right time, He came.” It’s a phrase I’m familiar with but wanted to research a bit more.
Timing is important. Don’t you agree? Americans pay attention to time — the noun form means a choice, or control of when something should be done. It’s particular and specific.
So, for scripture to tell us that at the fullness, right or appropriate time God acted, it’s significant.
He acted at a very specific time, when all the components surrounding Jesus’ birth were ready.
In Ephesians 1:10, Paul uses the word fullness again: “… when the fullness of the time came.” Fullness here means that portion of time by which the longer antecedent-period is completed. Wow, no wonder prophets like King David, Isaiah and Zechariah uttered prophecies, but didn’t live to see the fruition — for they lived in the antecedent period.
But, when God determined all factors of Christ’s birth were together, Jesus was born.
For example, the decree that forced Mary and Joseph to return to Bethlehem fulfilled Micah 5:2, and Matthew 2:6 repeats Micah. Together, a good example of prophecy and its fulfillment. There are so many fulfillments to discover.
Matthew 2:15b speaks plainly and clearly: “Now all this took place that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled.”
So, what difference does this make today? Why is it important for us? Is Christmas merely an annual expensive thing to do? If there’s no reason, why do we celebrate this season?
I tell you, there is a reason. Christmas declares God is real. He is true. His Word, the Bible, is true.
For Jesus to enter humanity in such a specific manner tells us that God is specific about other things too. He knows specifically about me, and about you.
He knows your name. He’s counted every hair on your head. He knew you before you were ever conceived in your mother’s womb. He intimately knows you, and loves you, and sent Jesus long ago as His demonstration of that love and provision.
I pray Jesus will come alive in your heart this season. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
