Baptism is the putting on of Christ. It is to be covered in His works, His faithfulness. Baptism is the electing work of God. Paul reminds us that it is when the Father Himself adopts you into His family. To put on Christ is to put on his righteousness, His perfection, His faithful obedience to the Father.

Saint Paul declares, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law.” The fullness of time is an interesting phrase. It means there was an appointed time, a plan be carried out for the salvation of mankind. The days, months, and years counted down until the perfect moment over two thousand years ago. And in this moment of time, God Himself came, born of Mary, in the little town of Bethlehem. He came not for condemnation and destruction. This was not the sending of a devastating flood or fire from Heaven to punish the wicked. This was hope and life in a child who would come to sacrifice Himself for the sins of us all.

So, every year we rightly celebrate. Every year we decorate, sing, and give gifts in remembrance of this greater gift given by God. But today, just a few days after that great celebration, we are reminded how Christmas has consequences. When the good and gracious God comes into a fallen and rebellious creation, it is not all welcome, joy, and good times. The evil of our age is threatened by His coming. The things that dwell in the darkness would rather not be brought into the light. The lies of power, division, and glory- seeking will take aim at the child born of Mary, and for that matter, all who call Him Lord.

But in the midst of all the opposition and confusion, there remains this wonderful promise, that those who receive the child born of Mary, those who believe in His name, will receive adoption as the children of God. It means you are not just neutral bystanders to the whole affair. You have a place, a family you belong to, and so, you are invested in the struggle. Paul says God sends His Son so you might receive adoption as sons. Now, adoption is a wonderful way to think about your inclusion in the family of God. Think about the act of adoption. The one being adopted does not have control of the situation. They cannot force or demand that the adopting parent make the adoption binding. They are the receivers of adoption. They are blessed by the love and compassion of another, and the adoption grants them all the rights and privileges of a son.

The argument Paul is making flows from a situation that the Church struggles with regarding the distinction between the Law and the promise. In his day, the issue was circumcision. As more and more Gentiles came to believe in Christ, some demanded they be circumcised. After all, that was the mark of the covenant.

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