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

God had a plan for Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child. When the fullness of time arrived for Jesus to be born, God’s plan was working right on time. God’s plan for us, unveiled in that Child was also right on time. That plan was redemption, so that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Adoption is a wonderful word to me. Bob and I have grandchildren that carry none of our genes but all of our hearts.

Little Carter (our first) miraculously appeared, 9-months old, big blue eyes, blond and beautiful. He became my ‘bud’ and was my only grandchild until Marcus arrived eight years later, and Travis six years after that. Recently, we added four more grandchildren and one great grandchild. The love I have is the exact same love for all of them. Each one is a delight in their own way, each one fills my heart with joy.

When we came to Christ in our helpless state, He redeemed us by His sinless life, His death on a cross, and His Resurrection and Victory over sin and death. That redemption allowed us to be adopted into the family of God, to be called children of God, sons and daughters of the King.

God’s plan for each of us might be different here on this earth, in the here and now. It might take us to different places, involve different ministries and life experiences, but the one thing that is sure in God’s plan is our adoption. The love that He has is the exact same love for His adopted sons and daughters as it is for His Only-Begotten Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord.

“Wonder of Wonders!”  What a thought to focus on as this year 2024 winds down!