January 1st
Eighth Day of Christmas
He (Tychicus) is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Colossians 4:9
Happy New Year, my friends! As we approach Epiphany and celebrate the New Year, let us once again consider the radical nature of Christ’ birth, the reality that Jesus’s birth turned all power structures upside down.
Paul sent both Tychicus and Onesimus to Colossians with his letters to the church. Notice Paul describes Onesimus as the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. Onesimus came from Colossae… because his slave master, Philemon, lived in Colossae. Paul’s letter to Philemon lets us know of Onesimus’ status as an escaped slave and Paul’s plea for Onesimus’ freedom. It is likely that this situation had not yet been resolved. We know this because Tychicus and Onesimus likely carry with them two letters, one to the Colossians and the other to Philemon. The letter to Philemon has not yet been read, so Onesimus comes to Colossae in a tenuous situation.
This makes Paul’s description of Onesimus all the more poignant. Todd D. Still writes the following about Onesimus’ status:
“Onesimus’ status was the lowest that one could reach in the ancient world. Because he was a runaway slave, he was protected by no laws and was subject to all manner of abuse…. They were frequently beaten unmercifully or put to tasks in which their life expectancy was short”
Do you see the contrast between Paul’s description and Onesimus’ worldly status? Paul places Onesimus on equal footing with the people of Colossae. Paul places Onesimus on equal footing with his master Philemon, an important wealthy member of the Colossian church.
Recently, Natalie led a children’s moment that speaks to this point. She handed out one of our Christmas Eve candles to each child. She lit her candle as a representation of God’s love. Then she lit each child’s candle. Her candle did not diminish in size as she shared the light. In fact, as each candle was lit, the light never diminished. Instead, the light grew as the light spread. This illustrates God’s love. In Christ, our love multiples through sharing.
The same is true with power.
Not worldly power, but the creative life-giving power found in Jesus.
True power comes in bearing the image of Jesus. True power comes in servant leadership. True power comes in loving God and loving neighbor. Jesus modeled true power, as a baby sleeping in the manager and as the Creator and Savior who died and rose…for us.
Paul asked Philemon to let go of worldly power and instead grasp hold of life-giving power. This is the pathway of Christian maturity. This is the pathway of discipleship. As we continue to travel with the magi to the lowly manger… Paul also invites us to grasp hold of the life-giving power found in Jesus, to be image bearers, to be servant leaders, to love God and love others.
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