Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Tuesday, 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)

For by him all things were created – and God said,”It was good.” Today it’s easy to believe in the beauty and goodness of creation – there’s just enough snow at my house to frost my dwarf Alberta spruces and cover the weeds that hadn’t been pulled. This season, through the stories of so many of you, it’s easy to believe in the beauty and goodness of creation – you’re reaching out and blessing others instead of just yourselves.

Most days, in our lives, it is easy to focus on what is wrong with everything – our government, our schools, our churches, our society, our children, our spouse, our neighbors. This doesn’t fit with who am I and I don’t think it’s healthy for us as Christians. Although we shouldn’t be “Pollyanna’s” we should be positive – Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation is with us!

I’m wondering if it would be better for us if we turned off the 24 hour news stations and gave ourselves over to doing what Christ has put in front of us to do. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to list our praises instead of our grievances. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to look for the good in others instead of the evil. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to pray for our pastors and congregations instead of complaining about them. I’m wondering if it would be better to honor our spouses instead of picking them apart. I’m wondering if it would be better to bless our children than to always scold them. I’m wondering if it would be better if we got to know our neighbors and heard their stories than driving into our garages and closing the door and hiding in our fortress homes. I’m wondering if it would be better if we spent more time in prayer for all of these relationships.

Jesus Christ set aside the rights, privileges, splendors of heaven so we could have relationship with God. He did this so all of our relationships would be healed and strengthened. Don’t miss out on that!

He created – it was good. That includes us! That includes all around us!

“Father, today may all creation speak Your name. We want our lives to speak Your name. Open our hearts and minds to the glory of all You have created and our part in restoring that creation to rightful relationship with You.”