In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being… (John 1:1-3)
When we talk about God as the creator we are immediately immersed in controversies concerning scientific or biblical-literalist creation, but the true focus should be the one that we all know personally – the eternally creating God that is creating all of us anew every moment of every day.
Often we approach our faith as if it were a puzzle that must be solved. We tackle each issue in the Bible or catechism as something that we must memorize and draw a little box around it. Then we can go through life and feel empowered when we define and denounce anybody who has even a slightly different truth in their little box. This may do wonders for our rhetorical skills, but it will do little for our faith.
There is much to be said for defining and defending the absolute truth of our Christian faith, but it is something that must be approached with humility, and not manipulated in arrogance to judge others. All too often I have seen my Christian family, in and out of prison, rent asunder by such controversy. All too often I have seen people turn away in disgust from our church, not from God but turning away from the Church.
When I, human that I am, look to the infinite God I do not pretend that I can understand all of it. And if I have even the smallest understanding, I am not sure that I could ever communicate it in words. The whole world is awash with the constantly unfolding puzzle of the Glory of God. I live in it, I love in it, I believe in it, but any attempts to define and dissect it somehow always lessen it.
However you understand creation, live always in the power of the one who is constantly and eternally creating.
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine; love was born at Christmas: star and angels gave the sign. (Hymn 84)
Prison Lectionary 