December 4th
Sixth Day of Advent
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers – all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
The hustle and bustle of the season rush us through the month of December. Shopping. Parties. Christmas cards. Family. Decorating…. The joys and frustrations that come when the calendar turns to December. The activities of the season sometimes loot our quiet reflection, replacing peaceful celebration and anticipation with a constant list of items to check off.
All the while, the image of the invisible God, the first born of creation waits. The moment will soon come. The moment when the creator of all things, the creator of both the visible and invisible…breaks into humanity. Until then, He calls us to wait, to reflect on who He is…
All things have been created through and for Him.
He is before all things.
In Him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body.
He is the beginning, the alpha.
He is the first born from the dead.
In Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.
In Him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things.
The One who created all things waits. He waits to become flesh and dwell among us. Why? Why does God wait? He waits because he wants to be reconciled to us, His beloved. As we rush by, He calls us by name. He calls us to pause. To wait with Him. To reflect on this glorious moment.
Some scholars describe this passage as a Christological hymn. Some believe this passage was sung or recited as a creed in the early church. Like a rock thrown in a pond, this poetic description of Jesus’ sovereignty ripples throughout the book of Colossians and theologically grounds Paul’s teaching in the sovereignty of Jesus Christ.
As we wait with Him in this moment, let us reflect on His majesty. Let us allow the ripples to wash over us, slowing us down, and drawing us to Him. Do you hear the call… the call to Wait?
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