Why did God create a sterile, lifeless universe?

It is very strange that nearly all modern Christians believe that God created an almost-completely sterile, lifeless universe. 

If true; this would surely be very strange indeed...

So very strange; that most modern people have - reasonably enough - concluded that if the universe is indeed very-nearly completely dead; then God can't be real. 

But the proper answer is that God Did Not create a lifeless universe - entirely dead, but for a sub-micro-mini-smattering of "life" - but that instead the universe is Made-Of living beings. 

Everything in God's reality is alive.

Exactly as would be expected in a divine creation.