When the time had fully come, God sent his Son ...
Galatians 4:4

God broke the news of His son's arrival on earth to a group of shepherds -- who were they? The Jewish writings called the Mishnah suggest that they were no ordinary shepherds and their sheep were no ordinary sheep. They were shepherds who looked after the Temple flocks destined for sacrifice.

These innocent sheep were slain to take the punishment that people deserved for disobeying God. Every so often these shepherds would herd some of their sheep on the one way trip six miles north to the Temple in Jerusalem.

So the visit of the angels was not only good news for the shepherds but good news for the sheep. You see, Jesus had come as the 'Lamb of God' who would die as a once-and-for-all time sacrifice so people the world over could be forgiven. Sheep would no longer need to pay the price for our forgiveness. Jesus had come to make the perfect way for us to be Friends with our Creator. Glory to God in the Highest!

At first the shepherds were speechless but, as soon as they realized what God was doing, they rushed off to worship Jesus. The shepherds woke the town with the news!

For you see, our whole dating system -- not the romantic kind (is that all you think about?) -- revolves around the time God chose to send his Son to earth. Dates are either BC (Before Christ) or AD (Anno Domini -- After Christ) calendars. The world's history is centered around the birth of Jesus.

God planned the exact moment He would appear in human form. There was a date and time in God's planner of events. And when the time was right God kept His appointment. He is never early nor late -- simply, right on time.

Had it been a few hours earlier, Jesus would have been born alongside the road and not in Bethlehem. A few days later and Mary would have been back in Nazareth. Simeon and Anna would have missed their chance to see the Baby.

God has plans for our lives too. He answers our prayers at the right time. Not a moment too soon or late. He works out events to bring us to the right place at the right time. Often we do not appreciate what God is doing behind the scenes on our behalf, until we look back over our lives.

God did not arrive on earth on a sudden impulse. Everything was planned in advance. God gave some of the jig-saw puzzle pieces to Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born.

Piece #1: The Saviour would arrive as a baby boy.

Piece #2: ... a descendant of King David.

Piece #3: ... would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Piece #4: ... would be a bright light in a world of dark deeds.

Piece #5: ... would rule forever.

Watch out Galilee -- you are going to be honored.

Isaiah listened carefully as God spoke of future events. And where did Jesus spend most of His time teaching and healing people? -- why Galilee of course. Isaiah collected more pieces of the jig-saw puzzle God was giving him.

Our lives are sometimes like a jig-saw puzzle. We don't see the whole picture but we know God is putting the pieces together. We need to be patient and allow God to work things out in our lives.

The right time to pray is always NOW!

I praise you, Abba, and I give glory to You in the Highest. I thank You for this Greatest of Christmas Gifts. I worship You by putting You first in all I do.

I thank You, God, for the things I have learned about Jesus. Show me more of Your plans for my life. I will remain patient, Lord, for You are in control.

I think about the ways, God, that You have helped me at just the right time in my life. And I thank You, Lord, for the ways You guide me with perfect timing.





Suggested Daily Scripture Reading
[Psalms 40,54] [Zech 7:8-8:8] [Revelation 5:6-14] [Matt. 25:14-30]



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Edited: Nov 17, 1999 7:50 a.m.
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