In the Fullness of Time
A Christian Folk Song for the Third Sunday in Advent
Advent is a season of divine intersection—a rendezvous of the celestial and the terrestrial. Galatians 4:4 captures this glorious moment with simplicity and power: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” These words inspired both a sermon series and the song “In the Fullness of Time,” a reflection on the beauty and wonder of Christ’s birth—both in the world and in the human heart. I will never forget the growing realization of Advent’s truth in my life—and in the lives of those to whom I brought the inerrant Word of life. I felt a trembling deep within, in a place my spirit had never known.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4 ESV).
This song explores the dual reality of Advent: Christ coming to redeem the world through His incarnation and His personal coming into each of our lives, transforming us through His grace. The line, “And all that I am and all that I will be is wrapped up in those swaddling clothes,” expresses how deeply Advent resonates for me. It encapsulates the reality that our identity, hope, and future are bound up in the gift of Christ, born in a manger and, by His Spirit, born in us.
As you listen to “In the Fullness of Time,” I pray that you experience the wonder of Advent afresh and reflect on how God’s plan of salvation, revealed in the fullness of time, continues to unfold in your own life.
I will never forget the growing realization of Advent’s truth in my life—and in the lives of those to whom I brought the inerrant Word of life. I felt a trembling deep within, in a place my spirit had never known.— Michael A. Milton
Scripture texts to accompany your meditation:
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4 ESV).
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 ESV).
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6 ESV).
May the Advent season fill you with awe of our Savior’s great love and perfect timing—a love and providence I pray will touch many through these words.
Listen to the song here (the lyrics are below):
In the Fullness of Time
Words and Music © 2012 Michael Milton (Bethesda Words and Music), BMI, guest vocalist, Miss Cindy Gibbs
In the fullness of timeGod sent forth his son to be born under the law And of a woman
In the fullness of timeGod sent His Spirit into mine So the Babe of Bethlehem Could be born in me
And all that I am And all that I will be Is wrapped in those Swaddling clothes
In the fullness of time, God’s grace, so sublime, Gave me a calling, so new
In the fullness of timeHis Word so divineWas the Babe of Bethlehem I shared with you
Give to Faith for Living
I founded Faith for Living in 1993 to plant churches and broadcast the Gospel through public media. After establishing two church plants, founding a Christian school, and contributing through numerous books, academic works, and broadcasts, the ministry formalized with a board at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga in 2003. By 2013, Faith for Living became a nonprofit corporation. The ministry expanded further when the family of Dr. D. James Kennedy (1930–2007) entrusted us with the oversight of the D. James Kennedy Institute of Reformed Leadership.
Our work grew through the founding of Bethesda Music, Bethesda Publishing, outreach to veterans and families, and providing counseling and resources for the Christian life. This ministry to the Armed Forces formally began in 1991, continuing my commitment to evangelistic outreach alongside my service in theological higher education and shepherding Christian communities. My military service concluded in March 2018 after thirty-two years of credited service in the US Army and Army Reserves. Having raised my hand to serve in 1976 with the US Navy and Navy Reserve, I remain honored to hold the rank of Colonel in the US Army Retired Officers Corps.
Vision and Mission Plan
Burden
Humanity is separated from God, bearing the profound consequences of this cosmic tragedy.
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear."
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Values
Our values are rooted in the inerrant and infallible Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16–17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Matthew 5:18: "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
Vision
Our vision is to see a multitude of souls safe in the arms of Jesus when He comes again.
1 Thessalonians 2:19–20: "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy."
Mission
Faith for Living seeks to glorify God by applying His Word to every area of life.
1 Corinthians 10:31: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Matthew 28:18–20: "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
A Humble Appeal
Your gifts of faith and love support the truth that sets people free: the Good News of salvation through the finished work of our crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Please help us realize this vision.
Faith for Living is a federal 501(c)(3) North Carolina nonprofit church-related corporation. According to IRS rules, all contributions are fully tax-deductible.
For those who prefer mailing a check, our address is:
Faith for Living, Inc. 1167 Carolina Drive, Tryon, NC 28782-3507
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