Advent 2024 : December 4

“15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

– Genesis 2:15

I don’t know about you, but I love gardening. However, our cold, wet, and often sunless winter days prove difficult to plant and harvest. It’s rather challenging to “garden” during Advent. Even the little that you can do while planting bulbs, winter crops, or simply preparing your soil is quickly overshadowed by the impending snow fall. We all have to hold out hope for when winter passes and the first sign of spring, a crocus, pops through the soil. Then the memory of a bleak winter fades, as the enjoyment and beauty of spring bursts forth, especially here in The Valley. This longing or anticipation has been felt since The Fall.

Before sin entered the world, the Garden of Eden would have been something to marvel at! No thistles or thorns. No gloomy days or lack of sunlight. No decay or death. But a place where growth thrived. Yes, a place that required work and care (like Genesis 2:15 suggests), but a place of bounty, wholeness, flourishing, and togetherness with God.

Since sin entered the world, that picture of God with us in work has changed, but still holds true! We now struggle and toil and long for relief. But God is with us, by His Spirit, equipping us for the work we partake in.

So how do you think about your work? Is God with you in your work? Take a moment and ask yourself: Does He help guide, direct, and lead me in my work? Does He receive the glory and honour when my hard work pays off? Do I do all things unto Him, giving thanks for the ability to carry out my tasks? And when things get difficult or challenging, do I face it with hope, trusting that there will be a day when all things sad become untrue; when Heaven will collide with Earth and God will be with His people? It’s here that we’ll see a new garden. One where we’ll work and and be in perfect relationship with the Father.

This Advent, pray that God would give you the insight to see the value in your work, as we labour on caring for and cultivating the world; not in vain, but with hope for His return.

PRAYER: Father, would you give me insight to see the value in my work, as I labour on caring for and cultivating the world; not in vain, but with hope for your return. Lord I pray that in all of my efforts, whatever I put my hand to, that I would be aware of your power and presence. Thank you for the gifts and abilities you have given me and your church. I ask that you would use us in mighty ways, for our good and your glory, Amen.