Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him… (NIV)

Today I want to give you the words to an old song that comes straight from this scripture. Switzerland born William Emmanuel Booth Clibborn (1893-1969) was the grandson of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. In 1921 he wrote the words to Down From His Glory. These powerful lyrics became even more intense when he adapted them to the tune of Edwardo Di Capua's famous O SOLE MIO. I hope it is the cry of your heart!

Down From His Glory
Down from His glory, Ever living story,
My God and Savior came, And Jesus was His Name.
Born in a manger, To His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

What condescension, Bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, Not one faint hope in sight,
God, gracious, tender, Laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

Without reluctance, Flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, Revealed the hidden plan,
O glorious myst'ry Sacrifice of Calv'ry,
And now I know Thou art the great 'I Am'

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.