Colossians 1:15-20 (CEB)

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,
        the one who is first over all creation,

16 Because all things were created by him:
        both in the heavens and on the earth,
        the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
            Whether they are thrones or powers,
            or rulers or authorities,
        all things were created through him and for him.

17 He existed before all things,
        and all things are held together in him.

18 He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
        the one who is firstborn from among the dead
        so that he might occupy the first place in everything.

19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
20         and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
        whether things on earth or in the heavens.
            He brought peace through the blood of his cross.


Reflection

Yesterday’s transformation of our worship spaces from a harvest/thanksgiving theme to full Christmas magic was nothing less than joyful! We have amazing people with lovely vision. I know that decorating before Thanksgiving Day is not palatable to everyone, but I hate to tell you, I put up my Christmas tree before Halloween. All of this is to say, the Christmas carols have already been on full blast in my life. I regret nothing.

Today’s text from Colossians makes me think of the connection between the creation story to the nativity story. Particularly, let’s take a look at the last 2 verses:

19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
20         and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
        whether things on earth or in the heavens.
            He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Maybe it’s the use of the word “reconciled”, but this makes me think of the line from Charles Wesley’s, “Hark! The Herold Angels Sing” that goes: God and sinners reconciled. It’s this idea that through God becoming human, through the birth of Christ, there is this reconciliation happening between a Creator and those created. It’s this idea that though the world still has pain and suffering and heartache, that in reconciling with our creator, we are not alone.

by Rachel Callender


For Pondering & Prayer

What does it mean to you to be reconciled with your creator? How does that outlook impact your moving into this season of advent?

Prayer: Holy Lord, we give thanks that You become flesh amongst us. May we remember that You are always with us. Amen.