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Goodness Of God
For those new to Creekwood, each Advent we invite a mixture of staff and laity of all ages to bless us with their devotional thoughts to a specific question. You’ll notice we are starting at “Day 2” because Day 1 was Sunday, and the message can be experienced in worship (in person and online). I hope these devotionals bless you each day, and help you envision the presence of Christ fully into your life.
The question this year:
“What do you think of when you hear the expression ‘Kingdom of God'”
Everything God calls us to, he promises to give us the grace, the strength, everything we need, the sufficiency to carry out that assignment to do that work. He promises to be beside us in times of joy, especially in times of darkness and sadness.
As a single mother, I had two lovely, sweet, BUSY children, 3 and 6 years old. Such were the times many years ago, in December, when my then 4-year-old son was clinging to life. That October, he was diagnosed with cancer, a rare type, especially in children. I remember the shock of the news and the doctor’s advice to take him to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
But before I could drop to my knees to ask, “Why? the Lord intercedes before the words are spoken…”I give you grace, strength, everything you need to get through this, “…and He did.
So Christmas is a time for reflecting on God’s promises. I reflect on the strength He gave me to trust Him and look for the good in all things, even the death of my young child. And some treasures he left to help me along the way. You see, when Jeff was early diagnosed, he told me one night as we were saying our bedtime prayers, “Mama, I can’t WAIT to get to HEAVEN!”. I now call those moments “When God Winks!” and I cling to them. Little did I know how that moment would carry me through the sadness, tears, and “I trust You, God” moments.
During this time of Advent, may we thank God for his many blessings and for covering our hearts with Love, especially when things happen that we do not understand. May we have faith to accept that God will make all things for Good…and He does, and He will work for you as he does for me.
This Advent Season reflects on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds, what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is.
May your Christmas Season be one of Joy and remembrance of the Goodness Of God…and that He will come again.
Merry Christmas,
Janey Richardson
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