Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Tuesday, First Week of Advent 2009

“He is the image of the invisible God…” –Colossians 1:15a NIV

God is invisible – we have not seen Him, nor can we touch Him. He is Spirit. The invisible means more than not being able to see God. It means He is unknowable. But now, through the Son, we see and know God. Nothing can keep us from knowing Him – we know Jesus!

Remember, this “image of the invisible God” isn’t just a likeness – a close resemblance – it is like a “mirror image.” I love that metaphor. When Christ looks in the mirror, he sees the reflection of the Father. When the Father looks in the mirror, he sees the reflection of the Son.

Many people who knew me when I was younger or who look at pictures of me from younger days say, “Wow, your daughter looks like you.” I take this as an extreme compliment. However, when we stand side by side looking in the mirror I don’t see much of that likeness. When she looks in the mirror she doesn’t see me, she sees herself. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see her (even though I search for the likeness), I see myself. Sometimes, I don’t even recognize myself! The likeness is there, but not clear or perfect. And if you know both me and my daughter, you will know that we are alike in many ways. But just knowing me doesn’t mean you know my daughter – there are many differences.

But with Jesus – we see and know GOD!

As we gaze into the face of Jesus, we will be more and more like Him. The image of His likeness will grow in us. Like Moses, when we spend time face to face with God, our faces will reflect His glory. We’re all busy at this time of year – but don’t let the busyness steal your “face to face” time with Jesus. As you spend time in His presence, you will be changed to be more and more like Him.

Psalm 145:8-9:

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

Father, we want to reflect the image of Your Son. Today, would you give us a smile and good word for all we meet? We want to be changed to be more and more like You. Amen

Second verse again of the old hymn ”O to be like Thee”…

O to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

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.