“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

The great Church leader Paul writes a letter to the believers in the city of Galatia.  He makes a statement in what is now our fourth chapter about the incarnation of Jesus.  He says, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” This is a description of Jesus coming to earth that we celebrate this holiday season. 

The preceding words to this statement I find fascinating.  He says, “When the set time had fully come.” This passage is translated in other versions of the English Bible as, “In the fullness of time.” Jesus came to earth as a baby at a set time, or when the right time occurred or in the fullness of time.  That means that God had a particular point in history where it was the absolute best time for Jesus to be born. 

While we may think our time is better because of our technology, Jesus was born at the right time.  There are several possible reasons for this, including the Roman peace, the road system built by the empire, the standard and precise Greek language, and the Jewish religion’s dominance.  For whatever reason, God saw that the time had come for his son’s advent and to begin his mighty work of redemption. 

For me, the simple lesson is not just about the timing of Jesus’ birth but also about God’s precise timing to bring the maximum impact.  If he knows that about the coming of Jesus, then he most certainly knows it about his work in your life.  Whatever he is doing in your life, this is the perfect time for it.  He knows that this is the moment that could change your life forever.  All you have to do is respond in faith. 

If Christmas teaches us anything about God, it is that he acts at the right time, in the perfect way for the best possible outcome.  He did it in the history of the world, and he can do it in your life too.  May that one thought make you merry this Christmas.