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Many Christians think that Jesus came only save souls from hell. But Jesus' plan was more complete than that. Jesus came to redeem and save all creation from destruction and death. God created the earth to work together and nurture and fulfill each other. Humanity was the final creation, but still a part of the created order. Humanity carried a special relationship with God, as God made them similar to God and the angels.
The effect of one part of creation's citizens to be separate from God reaped consequences. After the Fall, the earth would fight humanity's attempts to harvest food, by producing weeds and thistles. Women, a key component to the command to be fruitful and multiply, would now suffer in child birth.
Creation waits for the people of God to remember that they are to follow Jesus in the process of restoring the earth. We sense our connectedness to creation often in our relationships with our pets, or a strong sense of companionship with our garden. I frequently talk to my plants. The rocks sing out praises to Jesus on his final trip to Jerusalem, and the trees shout praises and clap their hands.
Every time we make an effort to care for the earth, we are working with God to restore creation to its original harmony. When we recycle, we are saving trees and manufacturing costs. When we buy local, we are saving fuel costs and investing in our neighbors.
This year, to help us remember that the birth of Jesus took place in a stable, with witnesses not just of angels,but also animals, we will have a celebration for pets in a barn. As we listen to the sounds of the animals are our companions, it can help us remember to bless this world for their sake. |
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