The whole world measures time based on the birth of Christ. In many ways, the world became new again because of Jesus.

Rome had spent many years and thousands of man-hours constructing a system of roads through the countries they conquered. The Roman roads were built to carry soldiers, chariots, and weapons of war. Those same roads were also used to carry the word of God throughout the land.

Rome had established itself as the world power. There was relative peace throughout the civilized nations. Rome had shared their markets, their language, their money, their culture, and their belief in multiple gods with the world as well.

The Jewish people had revolted against the Romans and had reconciled themselves to their rule. Yet, their faith and values still held a stronger influence in their lives than Roman laws and ideals. 

As Paul wrote, “But, when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” The studies of the timing of Christ’s birth are fascinating. Jesus picked the perfect time to come. Most people spoke one language and therefore understood his sermons. Rome protected his freedom to speak even when his Jewish brothers did not. The Roman culture had many gods and therefore was less concerned when Jesus was just “one more.” Jesus was born to be the sacrificial lamb, and Rome was even the reason he would be hung on a cross. 

What Rome did not understand was that Jesus was born in the fullness of time “to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5). Jesus didn’t come to usher in new followers of the old covenant law or  new citizens of Rome. Jesus was born to help people understand their “citizenship” was in heaven because they were the adopted children of the Holy God. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Jesus wisely and carefully chose to be born at that particular time in history. And world history was reborn at that same time.