They are called “The Silent Years.” During the four hundred long years between the last book of the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus, there were no prophets, angels delivering messages, or word from God. Then…at just the right time…

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

After the demise of the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great came onto the world scene in 330 BC. Since he believed that a common language and culture would be the best unifier of his kingdom, he forced all things Greek on his subjects. The Jewish people revolted and continued to revolt when Rome ruled the world. After a successful uprising led by Judas in 164 BC, the Roman Empire crushed all signs of rebellion. It is estimated that between 67 and 37 BC, 150,000 Jews died at the hands of the Romans. After an attempted rebellion in Sepphoris, a city approximately four miles from the home of Mary and Joseph, the Romans crucified 2,000 Jews. Then, in 31 BC, an earthquake hit the area and killed an estimated 30,000 people. Israel was desperate, helpless, and hopeless. When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.

Maybe you feel desperate, helpless, and hopeless today. I want you to know there is good news. Jesus has come to shine his light into your darkness. Let him deliver his hope into your heart today.

Father, even when it seems you are silent, you are working in the world. And even when it seems like you are silent, you are working in our lives to prepare us for Jesus. In his name, we pray. Amen.