Preparing for the birth of Jesus

    4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV) 

When Paul wrote these words, he had the benefit of reflecting backwards to the coming of Christ and the incredible movement of the Gospel in his time.  When I reflect on this passage, I think of those waiting God to act in his “fullness of time.”  There are two characters in Luke 2 who were waiting for the very moment that Christ was to come – Simeon and Anna. 

Simeon’s words are recorded for us: 

29“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, 
    according to your word; 
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, 
    and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32) 

And of Anna, it is said, “...she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38) 

They were waiting with anticipation and longing for God to send his son in the fullness of time. We can get a sense of that longing in their outward expression upon meeting the Messiah. They had waited so long that once they met Jesus, they just had to express who he truly was. 

In our time and culture, there are many who are waiting for their Savior – they just don’t know it yet. We see it because of the human propensity to get involved in causes. Causes are not inherently bad if they impact the common good. However, when I see people moving from cause to cause, that tells me they are seeking something more. Something that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can fill! 

This season, as we anticipate the celebration of Christmas let’s use the example of Simeon and Anna who could not wait to express who Jesus was and what he came to do! Who do you need to express the goodness, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to? 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.