For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:19-24)
 
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. Let the fields and everything in them exult. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy before the Lord, for He is coming! (Psalm 96:11-13)

Can you see the baby in the midst of all the medical equipment? This photo of my grandson Alasdair James was taken in the cardio-vascular ICU at CHOC when he was three weeks old, after his first heart surgery and subsequent  cardiac arrest. As I gazed at him lying completely still, heavily sedated, with tubes in his chest, a breathing tube down his throat, and picc lines, a-lines, and regular IV’s in every appendage, I was angry. This is not the way things are supposed to be. He should have been at home, nestled in his mommy’s arms. I was angry, but not at God. The world He created was not like this; it was perfect. I was angry that our human ancestors injected rebellion and sin into our DNA by deciding that they could improve on God’s perfect world. What they actually accomplished was the introduction of suffering and death to God’s world.
 
This is not the way things are supposed to be and – Hallelujah! – this is not the way things will always be. We can be confident of that because God Almighty, the Creator of a perfect world, took on flesh and came to visit His earth. He promises that He will come again and make all things new. Eden will be restored. This Christmas season, sit in the Lord’s presence and think of the wrongs that make you cry out, “This is not the way things are supposed to be!” Then rejoice that the Messiah has come and is coming again to right all wrongs.
 
Here are more suggestions for prayer this week:
 
1.  Thank God for His gracious gifts – such as the medical technology and skill that saved little Alasdair's life – that mitigate the fallout of human rebellion.
 
2.  If you have been at Calvary awhile, you will remember Regina Granados. Regina’s father, her beloved “Pop,” passed away last week. Lift up Regina and her extended family as they mourn his loss.
 
3.  We received an update from Jim and Lynette Hatcher last week. Jim writes, “As we enter the Advent season, Lynette and I want to thank you so much for your prayers, your financial support, and your friendship. God is at work in our corner of the world and it is a privilege to be part of His team of Kingdom builders. Please pray for us as we travel in the coming weeks. We would also like to ask you to pray for us (and our Austria team) as we continue to wrestle with on-going uncertainties regarding Austrian taxes and social security (an old problem we reported on in the past – still unresolved and back in the spotlight).”
 
4.  December is a busy time for Tomasz Chylka’s church in Pszczyna, Poland. Tomorrow, December 6, is Saint Nicholas Day in much of Europe, a day children receive gifts. The church will be engaging in street evangelism, sharing the gospel with families. They have rented a café in the town of Tychy next Sunday evening for another outreach event featuring music and Scripture. As you pray for these events, be aware that Poland is nine hours ahead of us. That latest update from Tomasz, which includes the faith story of a man named Rafal, will be posted on the Calvary website this week.
 
5.  Please pray for Maureen Schaffer, who spoke at our women's conference a few months ago. You will remember that she has been battling cancer (which doctors now call terminal) for over four years. Maureen had surgery yesterday to remove tumors from her lung; the surgeon needed to remove parts of her lung along with the tumors. Pray for protection from pain and for Maureen to feel the hand of the Lord on her.
 
6.  Pray for courage for all of us to declare that Jesus is the way – the only way – to God and to eternal life in the face of cultural pressure to be tolerant … or silent.
 
7.  Though you have not seen him [Jesus Christ], you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul.     (1 Peter 1:8-9)  Lord, fill us with inexpressible and glorious joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea