The subject of “time” is a big deal. Consider how God is outside of time. We think chronologically in terms of past, present, and future. God doesn’t have those limitations. He sees and determines the end from the beginning.

As we study the incarnation and the coming of Christ, we see that He was a Savior who truly had the power to save. The Bible says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).

What does Paul mean when he says, “the fullness of time had come.”? It was the perfect time for the Son of Man to enter into this world. It also refers to the completion of the preparation period. Ever since God gave Moses the law, the law did its work well. It showed man his utter sinfulness and inability to meet God’s standard of righteousness. But the law couldn’t save or atone for sin. It couldn’t put a person in the right relationship with God.

The 1400 years between Moses and Jesus was a time of preparation. Humanity desperately needed a Messiah who could save and rescue from the power of sin. After many centuries of waiting God sent forth His Son! There was a heavy sense of expectation, and finally He came.

Who would have dreamed up the incarnation? Only the living God could outline a plan where the Son of God came into the world in such a humble manner.

Christ was uniquely qualified (Hebrews 2:14-18). No other person could do what He did. One commentator explains, “He had to be God to have the power of Savior, and He had to be man to have the position of substitute.”

Every sinner finds himself/herself in a big bind. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). We have broken God’s righteous commands over and over and over and are powerless to save ourselves. This is where God intervenes in the midst of human weakness. He puts forth His son in order to redeem a people for Himself.

Ephesians 2:1 says we are “dead in our trespasses and sins.” To state the obvious, dead people are powerless. That is why salvation, start to finish, is of the Lord. People that are spiritually dead can’t save themselves. We need a Mediator, someone to intervene and rescue us. Where the law was powerless to save, Christ was mighty to save. Jesus fully kept the righteous requirements of the law. And where Adam and his offspring failed, Jesus succeeded.

If you are “in Christ” then you are sons and daughters of the King! You are part of God’s family! God takes those who were children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), His enemies (Romans 5:10), and makes them sons and daughters. We are given all the rights and privileges of children. We are transferred from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. We go from having nothing to possessing everything that is of value. But it is not because we earned it or merited God’s favor. No, it’s because of grace. God’s amazing grace!   

Christ lived the righteous life that we could not live because of our sin. He died a sacrificial atoning death on the cross as our substitute. And He was raised to life on the third day. And now he reigns and rules at the right hand of God the Father. If you have repented of your sin and believed in the gospel, you are part of God’s great big family. You are a “joint heir” with Christ. It doesn’t get better than that!

Every believer now enjoys an intimate relationship with the living God. We can truly call Him, “our Father.” Not only do we have the status of sonship, through Christ, but we also have the experience of sonship, through the Holy Spirit.

We know we have been adopted into the family of God because the Spirit of Jesus testifies and our hearts cry out “Abba! Father! (Galatians 4:6). There is this sweet inward witness that reminds us we are God’s. “I am my beloved’s and He is mine, and His banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 6:3). What a glorious reality!

We have much to celebrate this Christmas, and every Christmas. When the perfect moment in history came, God sent forth His Son Jesus Christ to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. This is glorious news! Through the Christ child, we see a God who is near, loving, and generous beyond compare.

Do you realize that Jesus is here to help? We all experience trials and tribulations, but the question is, are we trying to do it in our own strength? There is a better way. “Cast all your cares and anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28-30)

Jesus wants to take your burdens and give you rest. Trust Him! Cast your cares upon Him. Stop living the Christian life in your own strength. You can’t. Humbly admit, “God, I need you.” What you will find is that your Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms, saying, “Welcome home, child. I love you. You are mine!”