Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 4:4-7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Verse 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. Verse 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Verse 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Devotion
When the fullness of time had come, Paul writes. As you read through the Christmas story again, do you notice who really realizes what is happening? No one. No one realizes that God is doing something in the world until the angels declare it to the shepherds. Perhaps it is months or even several years before the Magi or "wise men" from the East come to honor Jesus. They witness the signs of a great event in the stars. Yet, God's chosen people do not yet realize what God is doing among them. At Christmas, the ones who get the most excited are the children. Perhaps this year, we as adults need to learn from our children about the excitement and amazing quality of this gift given to us. God has made you part of the family. You do not have to sit at the kids table to get a taste of things from a distance. You and I are now at the table with all the good stuff.
Prayer
Lord, allow us to see more clearly and more fully the excitement and wonder that this life has to offer us. Allow us to share the wonderful gift that you have given to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us not build division, but invite others to your table and your family, so that we can be a part of your work in the world, now and forever. Amen