Unwrapping Christmas - God's Timing Series

Title: Unwrapping Christmas: God's Timing

Theme:

Text: Matthew 2:1-12, Galatians 4:1-7

Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (5) So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: (6) 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " [6] (7) Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." (9) When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (11) And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (12) Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Introduction

Opening Video: Unwrapping Christmas

Illustration: A Christmas Present

Two things about presents:

A Wrapped Present

1) Wrapping of a present is designed to hide what is on the inside. There is a mystery there. The person is not suppose to know what is in there.

It believe this is also true when it comes to Christmas. There is a lot of mystery that surrounds it. Which brings me to my second analogy.

2) The wrapping is not what is most important. No matter how beautiful the package is. It is not about the package.

This morning as we look into scripture I would like us to take a look at the second mystery to unwrap. It is found here in Luke and shown clearer in Galatians. It is one of the most confusing areas and that is God’s timing. If there ever was a mystery of God it has to be His timing.

We learn that from the opening story about the wise men who came to see the baby Jesus. God prepared a star, a sign that appeared at the right time.

Galatians 4:4 reminds us "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law "

God has a perfect time

The first lesson that we learn is that God has a time. It was in the fullness of time that God sent His son and set the stage for redemption to all who will believe.

Jesus said in Mark 1:15 after John the Baptist was thrown in prison, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Everything worked to God’s timing.

The same is true in our personal lives. God has a time for us.

G2540

- Original: καιρός - Transliteration: Kairos - Phonetic: kahee-ros'

- Definition:

1. due measure

2. a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence:

a. a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for

b. opportune or seasonable time

c. the right time

d. a limited period of time

e. to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God had a plan for us a long time ago

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

David Psalms 139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.