In the Fullness of Time
Galatians 4:4 (AKJV) 4 but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, … You might note that the ESV uses the same phrasing,
As
an English teacher, I love scripture. The writers, under the unction of the Holy
Spirit, penned some of the best texts ever. While I normally read from the
English Standard Version, I do love the full resonate words in the King James
Version. They very carefully crafted that version to read well, and it does.
They labored to find the exact words, even inventing new words and phrases to
try and carry the meaning. This scripture demonstrates the good effect of their
care exceptionally.
“When
the fulness of time was come.” One of the great mysteries of Advent is this
idea of the time being exactly right. All the lines of history, spiritual and
human, and all the physical components of the universe aligned properly. Then
came the pregnant pause. All creation holds its breath as the Creator readies Himself
for His grand entrance, but when the fulness of time was come, He appeared. And
the vast majority of His creation missed it. A few shepherds showed up because they
got a special invite. Some time later, perhaps three years later, a wandering
band of magi showed up, but the rest of the world simply continued to turn
unaware of the magnitude of Advent, and not much has changed.
Each
year we must fight the temptation to give in to the crush of the holiday season.
All the hurry distracts from the contemplative side of Christmas. Advent calls
us to slow down. The fulness of time has passed. We can take a few moments to
consider the impact of Advent, historically and within our hearts. What things
are ripe for enacting? Are there words of contrition or encouragement that I
need to speak? Are there weak and halt near me that need some help at this
time? What fulness of time has come for me?
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