Christmas Musings #4 Timing is Everything

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

               My father loved Christmas, especially Christmas music; however, he reveled in the entire season. During Christmas we enjoyed the only legitimate Robinson worship service skip days. Shortly after Thanksgiving, we would take one Wednesday evening to go and purchase a Christmas tree. Dad always insisted on a real tree. Only late in life when my mother developed serious allergies would Dad acquiesce and purchase an artificial tree. Then some time later we would gather with extremely close family friends, the Harpers and the Thompsons and enjoy a meal together, a devotional focused on the incarnation, and a small gift exchange; always held on a Wednesday. Dad would never celebrate Christmas early or late. He insisted on celebrating on December the twenty-fifth, and we always opened gifts on Christmas day, not Christmas Eve. It was his way of making the season special. Now do not get me wrong, he did not insist on believing that Jesus was actually born on the twenty-fifth of December. He just enjoyed celebrating the season and relished the anticipation. As the narrator of the movie, “A Christmas Story,” says, “The kid year revolved around Christmas.” Dad imbibed in all of the elements the season and for him, and now me, timing is everything.

               I start earlier. Usually, Christmas music makes an appearance right around Halloween. We trim our tree and decorate the house right after Thanksgiving. If at all possible, we open gifts on December the twenty-fifth; but, life in the military and other familial concerns have made me flexible regarding that. I let my season linger longer, necessitating an artificial tree to avoid an extreme fire hazard. In many ways, my year still revolves around Christmas. It represents many good things, but especially the advent of the Christ. I luxuriate in the splendid timing the advent demonstrates.

               Jesus did not show up in some haphazard way. He did not get up one morning and say, “I think I’ll become human today.” Scripture tells us that when the fullness of time had come. The time was just right. Truly, the stars were aligned just right. The wise men showed up…more about that some other day. My salvation, your salvation, our salvation, the world’s salvation was not left to mere chance. God orchestrated all things so that they would work out according to His plan. I Peter 1:20 indicates that God laid this plan down before He spoke the world into existence. And like the little boy growing up in Abilene, Texas, all the prophets and sages waited, trembling in great anticipation for the day, that great day of unveiling.

               Dad knew what I did not, that a joy eagerly anticipated is much sweeter for the waiting. I learned that waiting for the right time brings its own rewards. Jesus came at just the right time and the moment of His arrival was glorious. So glorious, the angels had to sing, the stars had to shine, the wise men had to come, and the shepherds had to share. The wait was over, God came close, and salvation was nigh. So yes, I wait. I wait with joyful anticipation. He’s coming; the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, the prince of peace. He’s coming all wrapped up in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.