Our scripture this morning is Galatians 4:4-6 (RSV).
But when the time had fully 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. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
I must admit, this was not the scripture I was expecting from the Bible app this morning. We have read of the Annunciation to Mary and her visit to Elizabeth, Joseph’s visit from the angel, and we read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2 at church last night, so I’m not sure what I expected.
Maybe that’s what God is trying to tell me. No one expected the Messiah to come in the way He did. If you asked anyone from that time what they expected they would likely respond “I don’t know, but it wasn’t this.” God worked in a marvelous way to send His son to us, first as one who needed love and care, who would grow into the One who would love and care for us in ways we never expected.
As we complete the time of expecting and live into the now of Christ with us, may we continue to learn from Him and grow into the children of God we are all blessed to be. This morning let us cry “Abba! Father!” with all of creation, greeting Christ our brother with joy, and going to share the love He brings with everyone.
Heavenly Father, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to save us from our sin. Forgive us and send us to share the joy of His coming to all Your children. Amen.
