Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Thursday, 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)

Jesus Christ, the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE GOD – calls us to reflect HIS IMAGE.

I just heard today that Tiger Woods is the athlete of the decade. One writer said, “I just had to set aside all the recent issues in his personal life and look at his athletic accomplishments. Then it was a ‘no-contest’.”

This has caused me to think of IMAGE in a different light. Think of phrases like “tarnished image” – “clear image” – “mirror image” -- “poor image” – “body image” – “public image” – “self-image.”

We started these Advent Devotionals with Colossians 1:15a – He is the image of the invisible God. We talked about our longing to have Christ’s image stamped deep on our hearts. We thought about gazing into the face of Christ until we reflect His image.

This week we’ve been focusing on how we can live that out by “doing what is in front of us.” Many of you have shared stories of the ways Christ has spoken to you and you have done what He asked. This is a “clear image” of Christ to our world. Don’t let it be just a “public image” – but who you really are at all times.

Yesterday, as I was visiting with my sister, Rosemary, it was so clear to me that in her frailty she has the image of Christ stamped on her heart. I told her about your stories of kindness to those in need and we shed a few tears together. She told me about some needy children reported on in the news and how hard it was for her not to be able to do anything about it – “all I can do is pray.”

People, whatever we do and say will either reveal the Image of the Invisible God or tarnish His image. And when we live with the belief that He holds it all together we will be positive reflections of His Image. We can’t care for the needs of everyone, but we can do what is in front of us to do.

“Father, our desire is bring glory and honor to Your name as we live as reflections of Your Son. Amen”