As we approach Christmas, I am often saddened by how little people know about what "Christmas" represents. Even if we acknowledge Christmas as a day we celebrate the birth of Christ, there is so much more to the story. I find a great deal of hope in understanding, even partially, the true significance of who Jesus is and what he ultimately did for us.
Join me in doing a short little study in your Bible to prepare for this season. I recommend Colossians 1:15-20. I will use the New Living Translation (NLT). Let's look at the passage together, or you can click HERE for an online Bible tool.
Colossians 1:15-20
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross.
In this passage, Paul mentioned seven unique characteristics of Christ, which fittingly qualify Him to have "supremacy" in all things.
Jesus is:
The image of God. That is, what God looks like in character, but in human form.
The Firstborn over Creation. He has authority over EVERYTHING! Even invisible and evil powers will be subordinate to Christ (see also Romans 14:11).
Creator of the Universe. He has power over everything because He created it.
Head of the Church. He leads the body, that is the community made up of every believer.
Firstborn from the dead. He demonstrated the resurrected life, and He is the hope that we have to spend eternity with God.
The fullness of God. The fullness of God's glory was shown in Christ, who gave His Spirit to us so that we, too, may experience His fullness.
The Reconciler of all things. I would like nothing more than to be reconciled to God and have reconciliation between family, friends, the church, and our nation.
What we REALLY need is Jesus this year. It is the recognition of who Christ is that brings peace and an end to all hostilities.
This December...
May God's grace prove sufficient for you.
May His mercy show new to you daily.
May His unfailing love comfort you in every way.
Have a blessed Christmas with a new perspective of who Jesus really is. Please email me at michaelb@ptlb.com to let me know how God is working in and through your life.
Serving Him,
Pastor Michael Baggett
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