The Firstborn of Creation

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Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Scripture:

            Today’s scripture stretches the imagination. Imagining Christ as being preexistent boggles our poor human minds. It is difficult to imagine Jesus as a baby growing in Mary’s womb for 40 weeks. Imagine Mary feeling the baby inside her kicking and moving around. All the while knowing the prophesy that surrounded her child. The song “Mary Did You Know’ captures some of the feelings Mary must have had about this precious child growing inside her.

            How much did this infant know as he was hidden away in Mary’s womb. Eventually all the principalities and powers would bow down to Him. Both spiritual powers and earthly powers would be subject to this Christ child. The writer of Colossians goes as far as to state that all powers were created for him. He would eventually rule over the last enemy of humankind, death.

            This is what we celebrate during advent. Our hearts are filled with joy because God has sent His one and only Son to defeat the powers that seek to destroy us. The Christmas songs ring out with Joy to the Word. They encourage us open our mouths and hearts in true praise for God’s one and only Son. Let us open our minds and hearts to let the Christ child in. May we be changed from people seeking the latest gadgets and fashions to fill the space under the Christmas tree to people who seek to fill the space in our hearts with the love and joy of the season.

            There is so much trouble and violence in the world it can easily crowd out the joy and hope that this season is intended to bring. Instead of meditating on the trouble in the world let us meditate on Jesus. Celebrating the fact that He came 2,000 years ago, is presently with us by the power of the Holy Spirit and will return one day to set all things right. May the threefold coming of Christ lift our spirits in songs of loudest praise. Let us pray:

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus into the world. He comes to conquer all our fears by His great love for us. We praise Jesus’ name with voices raised in song, with musical instruments making a joyful noise. Our hearts are captivated with the joy of the season. All joy and praise we lift to our King in heaven. Come join the everlasting song of praise to Jesus! Amen.

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