When it comes to the topic of “Time,” the Bible says everything that happens is according to God’s timetable. This includes everyone’s birth let alone everything that happens in each life. Even Jesus was born on God’s timetable. Bible scholars debate about the situations and circumstances that led up to Christ’s birth but none of them can say with full certainty why He was born when He was. We do know that God in His infinite wisdom chose just the right time to send Jesus Christ to this world to be born of a virgin in a little village called Bethlehem.

Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 56:3-3; Luke 2:8-12; John 3:16, 14:8-9; Romans 3:23; Galatians 4:4-5

Verse
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Thought
In the fields surrounding Bethlehem, humble shepherds were visited by an angel on the very first Christmas. The angel made some wondrous statements to them that still have meaning for us over 2000 years later. The first thing they were told is, “Do not be afraid.” The most repeated command in the Bible is “fear not.” This must be so because God doesn’t want us to forget that because of His love we don’t have to live in fear whether we live in the first or 21st century. The shepherds also heard the angel tell them the birth of this baby was “good news of great joy.” They would later find out that it was indeed “good news” because the Savior had been born. Because the Savior had been born He would someday be able to offer forgiveness of sins for all who believe whether they were shepherds, scientists, school teachers or symphony musicians. This was “good news” for all of us no matter who we are, when we born or what we have done. God knew humanity’s greatest need was to have a savior so He sent one who He named Jesus Christ.

Questions
As a child, did your family open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? What is your birthdate? If you could change when you were born, what time period would you choose to be born? Why do you think Jesus was born when he was? Do you have fears that you don’t share with those you love? If so, why don’t you share these fears? What is it about 2018 that causes you to have anxious thoughts? Why do you think the shepherds were the first human beings to receive Jesus’ birth announcement? Why do some people struggle so much with the issue of pride when it comes to needing a savior? When you think about Christmas does the idea of forgiveness ever enter your mind? Have you made Jesus the Savior of your life?

Response
It’s time this Christmas, to embrace the same message the angel proclaimed to the shepherds on the night of Jesus birth. Receive the angel’s message to release your fears to the Lord and renew your commitment to trust Him. It’s also time to do as the angel said and renew your faith in God’s good news which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you haven’t already done so, it’s also time this Christmas to receive forgiveness through the Savior who the angel proclaimed had come that first Christmas night.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your wisdom and sovereign knowledge concerning the time of my birth and the seasons of my life. You had a divine plan in mind for me and I affirm Your goodness and mercy in all of Your care for me. As I rethink Christmas this year, I will release my fears to You and renew my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ which is good news for me and all those I love. Thank you that the Savior was born and died for my sins so that I could know forgiveness and have the promise of eternal life with Him. Thank you for Christmas and the One whose birth we celebrate at this time. In the name of the Savior of all, Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.