The Whole Christmas StoryParaugs

Day 23 | Creation After Christmas

The birth of Christ was such a line in the sand that it reset our calendar system. The long wait for a Messiah had come to an end. Jesus announced a new kingdom, forgiveness of sins, and peace with God through him. And yet we are still "groaning inwardly" – and often outwardly, still suffering and waiting for "glory to be revealed in us."

It isn’t just us in bondage to decay. If we needed it spelled out, Paul does so here: the rest of creation is also subjected to frustration and waiting for liberation. It too is in agonies as bad as labor pains. Much of that pain in this age has been inflicted by us – our dismal carelessness, greed, and impatience have stripped the soil of nutrients, filled oceans with chemicals and plastic waste, and decimated species by invading their habitats.

The picture can feel very bleak, but there is reason to be hopeful. God loves all he has made. His plans for good extend to the whole creation: it too will be brought into "freedom and glory." As we will be given redeemed bodies, so creation will be restored and renewed and healed.

Prayer

Lord, as I wait for you to come and make all things right, show me what I can do to reveal your glory now in how I care for creation.