A Prayer about the Perfect Birthing Experience
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to son ship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Gal. 4:4–7 NIV)
Dear Jesus, like others, I often sentimentalize the circumstances of your birth, judging Jerusalem for missing the moment, criticizing innkeepers for gross in- hospitality, and pitying Joseph and Mary for the birthing room they had to endure. Yet everything happened just as you, our Father, and the Holy Spirit planned. “Doing all things well” didn’t just start happening after your resurrection.
“When the time had fully come” you came, not a day early and not a day late. As humbling as it was to be born under the ceiling of a stable, being born under the weight of the law was a far greater burden. Yet that’s exactly why you came into the world— to be born under God’s law to redeem us— to redeem me from my sin and my rebellion, to rescue me from my unwillingness and inability to love God as he deserves. There’s no way in the world I could’ve ever fulfilled the demands of God’s righteous, perfect, and holy law. Only you could and only you did. I worship, praise, and adore you, Lord Jesus.
Because you lived in my place and died in my place, I’m no longer a slave but a son of the living and loving God, with the full rights thereof. Abba, Father has robed this prodigal with your righteousness and has sent his Spirit to live in my heart. My future looks amazing, as I will co inherit the new heaven and new earth with you! Oh my . . . what can I say but “Hallelujah, what a Savior! Hallelujah, what a salvation!”
I will not judge innkeepers, but I rejoice in the God of my salvation. I pray in your matchless name.
Amen.