Christmas Eve Communion Service - The Perfect Time, The Perfect Gift - Galatians 4:4-5
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT): “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”
Introduction
Timing is everything. Have you ever had something happen at just the perfect moment—when you needed it the most? Whether it was a word of encouragement, a kind gesture, or a much-needed answer, perfect timing has a way of making us stop and take notice.
As we gather on this holy night, we remember that Christmas isn’t just a celebration of a baby’s birth—it’s the celebration of perfect timing. In Galatians 4:4-5, the Apostle Paul captures the significance of the coming of Christ. These verses show us that Jesus’ birth was no accident; it was God’s deliberate and perfect plan.
Tonight, we’ll explore three truths from this passage:
God’s Perfect Timing.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming.
The Gift of Adoption.
And as we conclude, we’ll reflect on the wonder of this gift through Communion, the table that reminds us of the love and sacrifice of our Saviour.
1. God’s Perfect Timing
Paul begins in Galatians 4:4 by saying, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son.”
The Greek phrase here for “the right time” (p????µa t?? ??????, pleroma tou chronou) means “the fullness of time.” It signifies that the timing of Jesus’ arrival was exactly as God planned. The world wasn’t ready by coincidence; it was ready because God ordained it.
Historically, the world was prepared for the arrival of the Messiah:
Politically: The Roman Empire provided relative stability and the infrastructure of roads for spreading the Gospel.
Culturally: The Greek language was widely spoken, making communication accessible.
Spiritually: There was a growing hunger for hope and redemption among the people.
Isaiah 46:10 reminds us, “Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” God orchestrated history to ensure Jesus came at the perfect moment.
God’s timing is still perfect in our lives. Sometimes, we grow impatient, but we must trust that He knows what He’s doing. Just as He perfectly timed the arrival of Jesus, He is at work in the details of your life.
Think of a master weaver creating a tapestry. From the back, the threads may look messy and chaotic, but when the work is complete, the beauty of the design is revealed. God is weaving the tapestry of your life, and His timing is always perfect.
As Max Lucado writes, “God’s timing is impeccable. He may not be early, but He’s never late.”
2. The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming
Paul continues, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.”
Jesus came with a specific purpose: to redeem us. The word “redeem” (Greek: exagorazo) means “to buy back” or “to purchase freedom.” In the ancient world, slaves could be redeemed—freed—by the payment of a price.
Jesus came to pay the ultimate price for our freedom. Romans 6:23 explains, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Born of a woman: Jesus was fully human, experiencing the struggles and temptations of life.
Subject to the law: Jesus perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the law, something we could never do.
Through His sinless life and sacrificial death, Jesus paid the price to free us from sin and its consequences.
As 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.”
This Christmas, don’t just celebrate the baby in the manger—celebrate the Saviour on the cross. He came to set you free!
Imagine being trapped in a dark dungeon with no way out. Then, someone comes and pays the price for your release. That’s what Jesus did for us. His purpose was not just to live but to die so that we might live.
Timothy Keller writes, “Christmas is telling you that you couldn’t get to heaven on your own. God had to come to you.”
3. The Gift of Adoption
Paul concludes, “so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”
Jesus didn’t just come to redeem us; He came to restore our relationship with God. Through faith in Christ, we are no longer slaves—we are children of God.
The term “adopt” (Greek: huiothesia) in Roman culture referred to a legal act that gave someone full rights and privileges of a biological child. It was a powerful transformation of identity and status.
Romans 8:15 echoes this truth: “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”
This is the ultimate gift of Christmas: not just forgiveness, but a family.
As God’s children, we have access to His love, His promises, and His presence. This Christmas, live in the reality of your identity as a beloved child of God.
Imagine a child waiting in an orphanage, longing for a family. Then one day, they’re chosen, brought home, and given a new name. That’s what God has done for us. We are chosen, loved, and given a new identity in Christ.
As J.I. Packer says, “Adoption is the highest privilege of the Gospel. The traitor is forgiven, brought in for supper, and given the family name.”
Conclusion: Trust, Celebrate, and Share the Gift
This Christmas Eve, remember:
God’s timing is perfect.
Jesus came with a purpose: to redeem us.
Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family.
And tonight, as we gather around the Communion table, let us reflect on the perfect gift of Jesus. His birth led to His sacrifice, and His sacrifice leads us to life.
Communion Reflection:
As we prepare our hearts for Communion, let us remember that this table points us back to the cross and forward to eternity. The bread reminds us of His body, broken for us. The cup symbolises His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:26-28 (NLT) tells us: “As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take this and eat it, for this is my body.’ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’”
As we take Communion tonight, let it be a moment of gratitude and remembrance. Jesus came at the perfect time to redeem us, and this act of love is what we celebrate in Communion.
Invitation to Faith and Communion:
If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, what better time than now? The Saviour we celebrate at Christmas is inviting you into His family. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for you. Will you receive Him?
Prayer of Commitment:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for coming at just the right time to save me. Thank You for redeeming me and inviting me into Your family. I give my life to You tonight. Be my Lord and Saviour. Amen.”
Invitation to the Table:
For those who have trusted in Christ, you are invited to share in Communion. Let us take the bread and the cup with thankful hearts, remembering the perfect timing, purpose, and love of our Saviour.
