Advent 2024 Devotion: December 25

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

Devotion: These verses from Galatians beautifully capture the essence of Christmas. The apostle Paul is reminding us of the divine plan behind the incarnation. Christmas is a celebration of God sending His Son into the world. Jesus Christ, God the Son and the eternal creator, humbled Himself to be born of a woman, entering our world, the world He created.

The law was not given so we can gain righteousness by obeying it. It was meant to show us that we all fall short of God's standard of righteousness. It was meant to show us our need for a Savior and to point us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Only the Lord Jesus was able to fulfill the law. He was born under the law to fulfill the law on our behalf. His obedience to the law and ultimate sacrifice on the cross redeemed us from the curse of the law.

But more than that. Jesus' purpose in coming was to redeem those under the law so that we might receive adoption to sonship. Through Jesus Christ, we are not only forgiven and redeemed, but we are also adopted into the family of God. This is the true gift of Christmas – being brought into a loving relationship with God as His children.

This Christmas Day, before you open gift and enjoy the festivities with your family, would you remember the reason for the Season!  Would you consider how you can share the message of redemption and adoption with family and friends. May the joy of being part of God's family inspire you to show love and kindness to those around you, spreading the light of Christ in a world that is in desperate need for His hope and peace. Merry Christmas!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son at the perfect time to redeem us.
As we celebrate Christmas, help us to remember the immense love and grace behind His birth. Thank You for adopting us into Your family and giving us the privilege of being called Your children. Fill our hearts with gratitude and joy as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.