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 the preacher is wound up here as he seeks to proclaim the heart of the gospel to his Galatian hearers. His argument builds in rhythmic phrases to its climactic point: you are God’s children! His beautiful poetic words, whether read in the original Greek or in English translation, anticipate by a generation both Luke’s “To you is born this day…a Savior,” (2:11) and John’s “God so loved the world…” (3:16) And if a young mother and a babe in a manger weren’t enough to capture the imagination, he illustrates his point through the common laws of inheritance—perhaps his hearers, including us, can grasp that. You have been adopted—as God’s children no less. Along with this Jesus, child of God, you stand to inherit the whole shebang—the whole of creation has been lopped in your lap. Now just try to comprehend all of that as you reflect on God’s gracious Christmas gift!
Prayer
“Abba, Father,” so you have invited us to pray as your children. By your Spirit’s work in us help us to imagine and grasp in our hearts the rich wonder of your Christmas gift. Amen.