But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.
(Galatians 4:4 NIV)
Growing up, every Christmas ended the same way. My dad spoiled it. He would be disappointed with what he did or didn’t receive and would sulk. He would be mad at something someone said and an argument would ensue, or the meal wasn’t just quite perfect and the complaining would erupt. I came to dread Christmas day, just waiting his explosion. After waiting so long and anticipating the joy of Christmas, the actual day was anything but fulfilling.
How different the first Christmas must have been for Mary and Joseph, when in the fullness of time God’s son came into their lives. Any discomfort or disappointment they may have felt in regard to their lodgings or having to lay the babe in a lowly manger must have flown away after the shepherds’ visit, for we read: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NIV)
The fulfillment of the promise, the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, and revealed to Joseph in a dream, that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, so that the holy one to be born would be called the Son of God, had come true. A truth which the shepherds testified to, to everyone they met. The babe, whom Gabriel had instructed to be named Jesus, because he would save his people from their sins, had been born (See Luke 1:26-35 & Matthew 1:21).
What a gift. What a miracle. What a hope that lay within that tiny bundle of human flesh. What a fulfillment of God’s promise, from the beginning of time that a Saviour would be born to set his people free from the bondage of their sin. How Mary and Joseph’s hearts must have rejoiced that first Christmas when they gazed upon the face of this One called Jesus.
This Christmas each one of us may have plans: Plans for a perfect Christmas day. I wonder what will happen if those plans should go awry? Will we come away with feelings of disappointment, unfulfillment or even anger? Or, will we choose with joy, to embrace the truth of God’s fulfilled promise, a promise that brought, and still brings good news of great joy, that is for all people. A Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord, Jesus who still today, saves his people from their sins.
Fulfilment and joy this Christmas no matter what may go amiss or disappointment, anger and emptiness? The choice is up to us.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that we can count on every one of Your promises to be fulfilled in Your time. We especially thank You this Christmas, for the fulfillment of Your promise to send Jesus who saves us from our sin. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada