Sunday, December 20, 2009

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Sunday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

The Supremacy of Christ

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. --Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)

Do you see the mountain we’re climbing here? Jesus Christ – Image of God, Firstborn, Creator, Sustainer – we’re climbing and climbing as we consider this Babe in the manger! He is Supreme and worthy of all our adoration. Our hearts cry out – O come let us adore Him! Think about it – all God’s fullness dwells in HIM!

David Guzik has said:

“The fullness has been put into Jesus Christ. Not into a church; not into a priesthood; not into a building; not into a sacrament; not into the saints; not into a method or a program, but in Jesus Christ Himself. It was put into Him as a “distribution point” – so that those who wanted more of God and all that He is could find it in Jesus Christ.”

And of course this fullness is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger – humble and poor – talk about opposite world! Yet this is the gift that we desire and this is the place where we bow in humility. It is a mystery – all of heaven’s glory, power, and privilege set aside – and because of this humility and obedience – exalted! ALL of God’s FULLNESS dwells in Jesus.

“Father, once again we are amazed at Your generosity. You’ve given us Your Son, Your One and Only Son. His Spirit is alive with us. We have full access to You through His act of obedience and humility. Today, we lay ourselves down in humility and obedience so that He might be exalted in our lives. Amen”

An old favorite choir number – Come and See

Come and see the glory of the Lord,

Come behold the Lamb.

Come and see the mercy of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

Come and give thanks unto the Lord.

Come, behold the Lamb.

Come and sing the praises of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

For He is Lord above the heavens,

Lord in all the earth.

Lord of all the angels,

Worthy to be served.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Come and give thanks unto the Lord.

Come, behold the Lamb.

Come and sing the praises of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

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