The Glorious Dawn of Redemption
"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)
The Joy of Christmas
Today is Christmas Day! Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, and let every heart lift its voice in praise. This is the day when all waiting gives way to fulfillment, when promises long foretold burst into reality. This is the day of heaven’s triumphant declaration: “Behold, your King has come!”
But let us not treat this day as though it were merely a sentimental tradition or a fleeting holiday. The birth of Christ is the hinge upon which the door of redemption swings. It is the glorious dawn of salvation, the breaking of heaven’s light into earth’s darkest hour. This day marks the arrival of God’s own Son, born to bring peace to a world in rebellion and joy to hearts lost in despair.
In the fullness of time—at the precise moment when all of history had been prepared by the sovereign hand of God—Jesus came. Galatians 4:4 reminds us that God does nothing hastily or haphazardly. The timing of Christ’s birth was not random but the culmination of a plan that began before the foundation of the world. Every event, every promise, every prophecy was leading to this glorious moment.
Today is Christmas Day! Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, and let every heart lift its voice in praise. This is the day when all waiting gives way to fulfillment, when promises long foretold burst into reality. This is the day of heaven’s triumphant declaration: “Behold, your King has come!”
But let us not treat this day as though it were merely a sentimental tradition or a fleeting holiday. The birth of Christ is the hinge upon which the door of redemption swings. It is the glorious dawn of salvation, the breaking of heaven’s light into earth’s darkest hour. This day marks the arrival of God’s own Son, born to bring peace to a world in rebellion and joy to hearts lost in despair.
In the fullness of time—at the precise moment when all of history had been prepared by the sovereign hand of God—Jesus came. Galatians 4:4 reminds us that God does nothing hastily or haphazardly. The timing of Christ’s birth was not random but the culmination of a plan that began before the foundation of the world. Every event, every promise, every prophecy was leading to this glorious moment.
From the Garden to the Manger
The story of Christmas is not confined to a stable in Bethlehem; its roots reach back to the garden of Eden. There, in the shadow of humanity’s first sin, God spoke a word of hope. He declared that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). From that moment, the light of redemption began to shine, faint at first but growing brighter with every covenant, every promise, and every prophecy.
God told Abraham, “In your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). He assured David that one of his descendants would sit on an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16). Through the prophets, He revealed that a child would be born, a son would be given, and His name would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
But after Malachi, the voice of prophecy fell silent. For 400 years, God’s people waited, clinging to His promises in the face of Roman oppression and spiritual longing. Then, when the fullness of time had come, the silence was broken—not with the trumpet of armies but with the cry of a newborn King. In Bethlehem, the Son of God entered the world He had made.
Born of a woman, born under the law, He came to redeem those under the law. The King of glory clothed Himself in human frailty, the Creator became a creature, and the infinite took on the finite—all to save us.
The story of Christmas is not confined to a stable in Bethlehem; its roots reach back to the garden of Eden. There, in the shadow of humanity’s first sin, God spoke a word of hope. He declared that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). From that moment, the light of redemption began to shine, faint at first but growing brighter with every covenant, every promise, and every prophecy.
God told Abraham, “In your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). He assured David that one of his descendants would sit on an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16). Through the prophets, He revealed that a child would be born, a son would be given, and His name would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
But after Malachi, the voice of prophecy fell silent. For 400 years, God’s people waited, clinging to His promises in the face of Roman oppression and spiritual longing. Then, when the fullness of time had come, the silence was broken—not with the trumpet of armies but with the cry of a newborn King. In Bethlehem, the Son of God entered the world He had made.
Born of a woman, born under the law, He came to redeem those under the law. The King of glory clothed Himself in human frailty, the Creator became a creature, and the infinite took on the finite—all to save us.
From the Manger to the Empty Tomb
Yet the wonder of Christmas does not end at the manger. The baby born in Bethlehem came to fulfill a mission that would lead Him to the cross and then to the empty tomb.
Jesus came to redeem us—to buy us back from the slavery of sin and death. Born under the law, He lived in perfect obedience to the law’s demands, fulfilling every requirement we had broken. And at the appointed time, He willingly laid down His life, bearing the curse of sin and satisfying the justice of God.
The same hands that clutched Mary’s finger in the stable were pierced by nails on the cross. The one who lay in a manger would later be laid in a tomb. But death could not hold Him. On the third day, He rose again, defeating sin, death, and the devil forever.
This is the joy of Christmas: the child in the manger is the Savior who died for us and the King who rose victorious. From the manger to the empty tomb, every step of His life was for our salvation.
Yet the wonder of Christmas does not end at the manger. The baby born in Bethlehem came to fulfill a mission that would lead Him to the cross and then to the empty tomb.
Jesus came to redeem us—to buy us back from the slavery of sin and death. Born under the law, He lived in perfect obedience to the law’s demands, fulfilling every requirement we had broken. And at the appointed time, He willingly laid down His life, bearing the curse of sin and satisfying the justice of God.
The same hands that clutched Mary’s finger in the stable were pierced by nails on the cross. The one who lay in a manger would later be laid in a tomb. But death could not hold Him. On the third day, He rose again, defeating sin, death, and the devil forever.
This is the joy of Christmas: the child in the manger is the Savior who died for us and the King who rose victorious. From the manger to the empty tomb, every step of His life was for our salvation.
The Joy of Christmas
So let us celebrate today with hearts overflowing with joy. The waiting is over. The promises are fulfilled. The light of Christ has come into the world.
Christmas is not just a day to remember the past; it is a day to rejoice in the ongoing work of Christ. The child born in Bethlehem is still at work, redeeming sinners, transforming lives, and preparing a place for His people. He is the King who reigns and the Savior who will return in glory.
Sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest!” Kneel with the shepherds before the King. Rejoice with the wise men who brought gifts to the one who is worthy of all honor and praise. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name is Jesus—our Redeemer, our King, our joy.
So let us celebrate today with hearts overflowing with joy. The waiting is over. The promises are fulfilled. The light of Christ has come into the world.
Christmas is not just a day to remember the past; it is a day to rejoice in the ongoing work of Christ. The child born in Bethlehem is still at work, redeeming sinners, transforming lives, and preparing a place for His people. He is the King who reigns and the Savior who will return in glory.
Sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest!” Kneel with the shepherds before the King. Rejoice with the wise men who brought gifts to the one who is worthy of all honor and praise. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name is Jesus—our Redeemer, our King, our joy.
Throughout this Advent season, Pastor Josh is writing devotionals as a companion piece to Pastor Tim's sermons. This devotional was inspired by our Christmas Eve sermon, "Second Adam." You can find all sermons in this series by clicking here.
2 Comments
Christmas!
nOur Savior Reigns!!!
Beautifully written Josh. I’ve really enjoyed reading your devotionals this Christmas season.