IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME

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

“In the fullness of the time, when the fairest flowers of science and art had withered, and the world was on the verge of despair, the virgin’s Son was born to heal the infirmities of mankind. Christ entered a dying world as the author of a new and imperishable life."

Philip Schaff (1819-1893), the renowned German-American theologian and church historian, wrote the above words in his monumental History of the Christian Church, Volume I, Chapter 1 – Preparation For Christianity In The History Of The Jewish and Heathen World. As preface to his statement, Schaff examines the history and contribution of many cultural aspects and events leading to the fullness of time reported by the Apostle Paul. It was a time of spiritual darkness, but God’s Spirit was yet influencing the hearts and minds of many different peoples in readiness for the appearance of God’s Son as the world’s Savior Redeemer. Even in times of great despair, globally, culturally and personally, God is at work on behalf of his beloved creation to bring about the effects of his grace through Jesus Christ, born as a babe in Bethlehem, “that we might receive adoption” as his children.

Advent and Christmastide remind us again of God’s love for the world resulting in his Son coming to earth so that we might believe in Him and have everlasting life. Despite the attempts of many in our own culture to diminish this truth, to marginalize the purposes of our faith and to discredit our right to voice it in public display, God will still be heard. He will be heard through our constant refusal to stop wishing people a Merry Christmas wherever we are in the season. He will be heard through the ringing of church bells, the display of Christ centered symbols and decorations in our homes and lawns. And he will be heard through the singing of favorite Christmas Carols, choir cantatas, Sunday School programs retelling the Christmas story and in a full array of Christmas expression.

But God will be heard even more completely through our Spirit enlivened love that causes us to give. Our giving to community needs for those in poverty, giving to the Church and Christian organizations that spread the message of Christ, and, yes, our giving to one another within our families and congregations that reflect the love of Christ within our closest relationships—all speak of God’s love in the greatest Gift we have received. These all, along with our celebration in the public square, cry out above the sounds of commercial exploitation and critical opinion that there is One whom we worship and adore responsible for all that is good and who stands at the door to be received that we may enjoy all the privileges of our heavenly Father as his dear children. He came as the Son of the virgin to heal the infirmities of mankind and he died on a cross to save us from eternal death. The fullness of time extends to include each Christmas, including this one, as we proclaim the birth of Christ.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Merry Christmas!

Pastorpj