A Christmas Message

The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on Dec 15, 2024.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Being born of a woman made Jesus human.  Being born of that woman made him a Jew and subject to Jewish Law. God’s law was fulfilled perfectly in Him.  He lived in sinless perfection and died on the cross for our sins.  Aren’t you glad!

Society as a whole is losing the gravity of what the Christmas season means. I like Santa. I like trees and getting and giving presents. I enjoy the feasting that goes along with it. However, with each passing year we lose a little more of what it’s all about. All of the things I mentioned above are ok, but the most important thing to remember is that Jesus was born; this is the time set aside to celebrate His birth.

Paul said “in the fullness of time” Jesus came. No search was made in heaven trying to decide who would come. Jesus was chosen before the foundation of the world. God already knew His only begotten son would come. Why?  Because He was going to send Him and He did it in “the fullness of time.”

Nothing with God is done haphazardly. God always has a plan. He’s the Creator of all things. His greatest creation was taking dust off the ground and making man. You don’t have to look long or hard to know there is a driving force behind what you see around you. The guiding force is God!  The Bible says that we human beings are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”  When we read about the tabernacle in the Old Testament, we see the minute details required for it. It was to be designed by His plan. The symbolism of what was to come is evident.  We see His plan in redemption. He also has a plan for the end times. People get concerned and scared. We ought not get discouraged. It should bring joy as we see God’s plan come to pass right before our eyes. The Lord is coming back soon!

God hasn’t changed. There was a time appointed for the birth of Jesus. There are appointed times for all His plans. We all want security in life. Children want to know mom and dad will always be around. Spouses want to be together. We want our jobs to be secure. God knows what He’s doing. He will work things out for our good and He promised never to leave or forsake us.

God sent His Son, who has always been.  He didn’t begin in Bethlehem. That’s where he was made of woman taking on the flesh of mankind. He became human. But He always existed with God. Jesus was equal to God because He is God. There is a Trinity consisting of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. Three distinct persons of the Godhead, but they are three in one. Separate but one. It took a man to die for our sins and Jesus was the only one who could do it–become a man. Although man, He lived a perfect life thus being the only one who met the conditions of God for a sacrifice.  He didn’t pretend to be human; He was and felt all things we do. He got tired, hungry, and thirsty. He was tempted but He never gave in.  He voluntarily laid aside the privilege of heaven and came to earth. He died for us so we could have eternal life with Him in heaven.  He was glorified by God and raised to His original position. He sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us when we pray. 

Jesus laying aside privilege to become a man was special. Who except God would come up with a plan like that! He became like us so we could be like Him one day. Jesus came when God said it was time. He was born where God said He would be born–Bethlehem. He was born of a virgin. The Holy Spirit impregnated Mary and Jesus took on human form to redeem us.  Why did He come?  It was to die for our sins. He set an example for us. He showed us the Father. He did many things while He was here, but to redeem us He had to die. Why? That met God’s requirements for us to receive the adoption of being his sons and daughters. God wants us to be part of His family. The plan started before the world was formed and was set in motion that first Christmas. I’m so glad it happened.