Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Wednesday, First Week of Advent 2009

“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen.” –Colossians 1:15a (The Message)

During this time of the year we are bombarded with all the trappings of our secular society with a little goodness thrown in. We are encouraged to spend, spend, spend. Buy the latest ornaments for the tree – of course this year the color is purple. And of course spend some time down at the church decorating (possibly with our old ornaments). Shop, shop, shop. Everyone on the list must have the latest and greatest. Oh, and of course take a slip of paper off of a tree at the front of the Big Box Store and buy something for a needy child. We are encouraged to eat, eat, eat. Lots of parties, lots of goodies, a beautiful Christmas dinner. And don’t forget to give something to the local food bank’s drive for the hungry.

Buried underneath all the busyness, hidden by the decorations, drowned out by the music, is a tiny baby – “the image of the invisible God.” He’s crying out to us, “See me? See the Father.”

I often wonder what Jesus thinks of all this hoopla that we call Christmas. After all we are celebrating His birthday.

This is a constant issue for me – it’s a part of being in the world but not of the world. Will we continue to decorate, shop, and party? Yes. We will, but with more restraint – with more emphasis on others – with more quiet time celebrating Jesus.

Father, help us to be in the world but not of the world. Give us the courage to change our culture by celebrating Jesus through acts of love and compassion, mercy and grace. We want to see You! Amen

Open the Eyes of my Heart

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see you, I want to see you.

To see you high and lifted up,

Shining in the light of your glory.

Pour out your power and love,

As we sing holy, holy, holy.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart

Today's devotional is not meant to be a scolding one for anyone - it is a personal issue and I don't want to be condemning to anyone. May you feel the love of God poured on to you today and may you pass that love on to everyone you come in contact with.

Blessings, Robbie