warm-up

Name a famous person that you would like to spend a day with. Why did you choose him or her?

Are you the type of person who plans things or are you spontaneous? How so?

When was the last time someone was generous to you? How did you respond?

word

⁴But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4,5

Christmas is the season when we celebrate the hope that has come to earth through Jesus. He came to our world as a man through incarnation. Incarnation comes from the Latin word incarnatus, which means “to make flesh.” During Christmas, we remember the miracle that the almighty God became man in Jesus Christ, living on earth as both God and man. Today, let us take a look at the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians to know why we should celebrate Jesus’ coming as man.

1
There was an appointed time for Jesus to be born as God had promised.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son . . . Galatians 4:4

The timing of Jesus’ birth wasn’t random. God planned for it to happen at a particular point in human history. In fact, God had promised that Jesus would be born more than a hundred years before it happened (Isaiah 7:14). He appointed a right time for Jesus to arrive to fulfill His purpose on earth. It wasn’t an accident; it was well thought out. Even when we don’t see how God is moving, we can trust and be patient because we know that He works and fulfills His plan at the proper time. How have you seen this in your life?

2
Jesus was born of woman to identify with us.

⁴But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law . . . Galatians 4:4,5

Jesus had to be born through a woman because it was only through this that He could represent humanity on the cross so that we could be saved. He humbled Himself and took the form of a man so He could identify with us. He was tempted in every way, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because Jesus had to experience what it was like to be human and endure the sufferings that come with it, He knows and understands what we’re going through. Because Jesus remained sinless in spite of it, He saved us from our fallen condition. How has God reassured you that He knows and understands your situation?

3
God’s solution to our sin was to send His own Son.

⁴But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law . . . Galatians 4:4,5

Jesus the Son of God became man so that He could redeem humanity. God sent His Son to the world as the solution to the main problem that plagued humanity—sin. Jesus became man so that He could save us from the punishment that we deserve because of our sins. What is the punishment He spared us from (Romans 6:23)?

application

Read and meditate on Isaiah 9:6 this week. Of Jesus’ titles in this verse, which have you experienced the most? How did you experience it? Ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you.

In what area of your life do you need to experience Jesus’ compassion for you? How can you grow in your trust in Jesus, knowing that He understands and cares for you?

Are there people in your life who need to know that God sent Jesus to save them from sin? How can you begin sharing who Jesus is and what He has done for them this season?

prayer

Thank God for sending His own Son, Jesus, to redeem you. Thank Him that this is all by His love and mercy, and not because of your own merit.

Pray that God will continue to make His presence felt in your life and remind you that He understands and cares for you. Pray for the grace to live like Jesus.

Pray for the people in your life who need to know and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that God will empower you and give you the boldness to preach the gospel to them.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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