From the second lesson on the First Sunday after Christmas
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoptions as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. (Galatians 4:4-7)
The "fullness of time" is an odd description. At first, I want to hear in it that point that there was at one time in history a time that was the best time...the time when it was most possible for the Christ of God to come. But then, the fullness of time is the time in which the Son is born of a woman and God becomes incarnate among us. That is what makes it full - God stands with us. From that point, we have an identity that is given to us from our God. No longer can a bully call me by a name that sticks. No longer can a racist control another person by calling them a name. No longer can one person label another person too sinful to be within the family of God for God has surprised everyone by introducing all of us as God's children...and appropriate heirs of the life of the one who would be children of God. We still live within the pregnant moment of the fullness of time for unto us is born each day the gift of new life that cannot be hushed up by any law.
Connection: Stand tall and live as though you are the daughters and sons of God. Stand with others as though that is the way you see them also. What a day that can make for all of us.
Eternal Lord, you change the face of all of life. You turn enemy into friend, stranger into neighbor, and the whole community of humanity into a beloved family. Guide us as we walk among others. Guide us and remind us of our status in your eyes and inspire us to treat one another as sister and brother. Amen.
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