Each December our Christian school performs a Christmas play. This year’s presentation is at 7:00 tonight—”We Worship Him.” Parents, grandparents, and family friends come to watch the children’s production. From before the play begins until the last child in costume exits the stage, one can feel the enjoyment of the audience.
But the play really begins long before the audience arrives. Months before the performance, teachers have begun the work of preparing for the play—writing the script, selecting the cast, practicing with the choir, constructing the costumes, and preparing the props.
With far greater precision than the most elaborate school production, God meticulously and precisely prepared and set the stage for the birth of Christ. From eternity past this event was planned. Prophets foretold it; Old Testament saints watched for it; and God’s people longed for it.
But, for all the importance of this event, God sure wasn’t in a hurry. Four long millennia passed from the first prophecy of the Messiah in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15) to the day God commissioned the angel Gabriel to announce the coming of Christ (Luke 1:26).
Four thousand years may seem a long time to wait, but God is always on time. He ordained the perfect timing for the birth of Christ—in “the fulness of time” (Galatians 4:4).
The Lord has been teaching me much over the last several weeks to trust that He knows the best timing for the events in my life as well. I would never plan some of the recent events in my family’s life—especially the health needs Larry is facing this month. I know know, however, that our God is a trustworthy God, and He has promised, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God’s timing is perfect. When you’re tempted to doubt Him, remember the birth of Christ—on time, “in the fulness of time.”
Please continue to pray for our son, Larry, as he approaches a much-needed surgery on December 28.
