Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Wednesday, Third Week of Advent 2009

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. – Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

Today I’m visiting my 62 year old sister, Rosemary, who now lives in a nursing home in Nampa, Idaho. Recently I heard a message about Job and thought to myself, “My sister is Job.” She has lost everything – her job, her home, her car, her ministry, her retirement funds, her eyesight, and even her health. She’s confined to a small room – just big enough for a bed, television, and a small table. Three times a week she is taken to dialysis – she’s in end-stage renal failure. Three times a day she wheels herself down to the dining room for meals (she probably has to have help getting there now because her right hand isn’t working). She has physical therapy 3 days a week. She has had 3 roommates since being in the nursing home since June – 2 have died. Her new roommate is 93 years old and not long for this world.

Rosemary is not just my sister – she is my best friend. Her circumstances are painful for me. It doesn’t seem fair to me that she should be in this situation – and I can’t do anything about it.

But Rosemary soldiers on in her loss. Her comment, “What else can I do?

I can’t control any of this.” She has a sweet spirit – she’s funny too – and a little naughty. She takes an interest in all of the people in the nursing home – residents and workers. She knows their stories. In the end all she has left is her faith. She definitely can’t hold anything together. She must rest in the care of Jesus.

Today, she is what is in front of me to do. We’ll have a great time visiting. I’ve made some special goodies that I’m taking to her. She wants me to play the piano for her roommate so I’ll do that.

A goal of Rosemary’s is to be nicer and sweeter every day than she was the day before. It’s a good goal to have. We’ve often said to each other we don’t want to get cranky in our old age. Our parents both got nicer and sweeter – so that’s how we hope we’ll be. Of course, now Rosemary is there – it isn’t the future anymore – it’s now.

Jesus – he holds it all together.

“Father, we place ourselves in your hands. It’s the only safe place to be. Thank you for your Son who holds it all together. Nothing is out of place in our lives when we allow You full reign. So we submit to You. May our lives bring glory to Your name. Amen”