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Colossians 1:15-20

15          He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

16          For him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.

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

18          He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19          For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him,

20          and through him to reconcile all things to himself by him, whether things on the earth or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

The Preeminence of Christ

This passage of Colossians is often known as the “preeminence of Christ” and was the first time I was ever introduced to the term. If you’re like I was, and have no idea what this means, here’s the definition: to surpass all others; to be very distinguished in some way. Paul is described Jesus to be the greatest of the great. The king of kings. The lord of lords. We learn how great Jesus is through three descriptions:

• Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
• Jesus is before all things.
• Jesus is the head of the body.

These three things that Paul highlights show the greatness of Christ. Now we’ve talked about how Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, the true light that enlightens all people, and is the path to become a child of God. We’ve talked about how Jesus is the mighty God, the wonderful counselor, the everlasting Father, and prince of peace. It’s time to see how Paul’s words describe Jesus for who He is.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: These are three massive and expansive titles to represent Jesus. Which one are you curious to learn more about and why?

The Visible of the Invisible

See Jesus for Who He Is

We learn that Jesus is the perfection representation of who God is and was shown through the human form that dwelled among us. An image implies a likeness or a representation. Jesus is that true representation. John mentions that Jesus is the one that made God known. God being invisible comes from the Old Testament. In Exodus, God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live. Jesus comes in to be the source that allows people to see God without seeing God the Father. Jesus is the visible, tangible presence of God’s character and essence.

Living a Tangible Life of Christ

As the image of God, Jesus serves as the ultimate example for us to follower. Jesus’ life and ministry teach us what it means to live the life that God created us for. Jesus taught us to love God with all of who we are and to love our neighbors. To care for the poor and widowed (the marginalized communities.) To feed the hungry, cover the naked, and give to those in need. Jesus taught us to forgive and love our enemies. Jesus taught us to pray and talk with our Creator, and to pray for and over each other. Jesus taught us the importance of both community and solitude. Jesus shows us the power of grace and mercy. Jesus taught us how to give and sacrifice for the betterment of others. All of this leads to show that these actions are the true representation of who God has been, is, and will be.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: We talked about a lot of different things that Jesus’ ministry shows us. What is one thing you wish to become stronger at as we prepare for the new year?

Before The Beginning

Jesus’ Pre-Existence

Jesus existed before the creation of the world, aligning with what we read in John 1. This preexistence shows what Jesus’ role was in creation and what authority He has over it. Christ has the power to maintain and uphold all things that He creates. Christ has an ongoing involvement in all of creation, shown in Him walking among humanity on down on earth as a person. Jesus can also ensure that everything is working cooperatively and purposely.

Learning from the Creator

Something interesting to think about is that Jesus didn’t just become a part of creation through His earthly birth – but was a part of the process in creating the earth. He is both creator and created. He is both divine and human. He is fully God and fully man. Jesus knew the reasons behind why things we created and how we are supposed to operate in the ordered world. Because humanity struggled to live properly according to our design and purpose, Jesus was sent down to the world to show us and teach us about our design and that purpose. What better to learn about how the world works than from the person who created it, right? Learning to live a godly life also leads us to be an image of God, showing how others can see the light of Christ in the world

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Learning the presence of the Trinity during the Creation story was mind-blowing when I first heard about this. What was a mind-blowing fact of about Jesus that you learned about?

The Head Honcho

The Head of the Body

Christ has authority and leadership over the church. Christ is the guiding force. The body often refers to the church. The body refers to the church. Christ guides us through our different roles and gifts to perform the missions of the church. The early church often faced division and false teachings. We’ve discussed how Christ is the beginning, both in his role of creation, and how we are made new in him.

Christ also the first to rise from the dead in a glorified body, never to die again. This is a sign of His preeminence and His authority over all believers that will be resurrected. Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee for our future resurrection. This happens to show his reign and power in all things. Paul is arguing against the false teachings that the church in Colossae faced that weakened Christ’s divine status. Paul affirms that Jesus is above all powers, authorities, and creation itself. It’s not about our future reality, but a present truth, to help us recognize and follow Christ’s authority in our lives.

Jesus has the ultimate authority and leadership over the church. All believers are called to submit to His guidance and teachings. So, why are there so many denominations? Why is there a division between Protestants and Catholics? Why are there differences in Bible translation? If there’s one authority, and then why are all believers not following it. Truthfully, I am not the one to answer this. I am not an authority on this. My simple answer is that time and history progress over time, and new revelations and cultural contexts happen. We are always trying to progress over time and working to apply God’s eternal word at all situations. What this led me to think about is: what different beliefs exist between different denominations in the Christian religion about Christmas?

• Catholics typically have a strong liturgical focus on the Holy Family.  
• Eastern Orthodox Christians believe Easter is more important than Christian
• Evangelicals use Christmas as a missional opportunity.
• Churches of Christs downplay or avoid Christmas altogether.
• Jehovah’s Witnesses reject Christmas, stating that’s Jesus doesn’t command it and has pagan festivals.
• Some Adventists argue that Christmas is a human tradition with pagan origins.

However, many Christians affirm Christmas as a celebration of Jesus’ birth. May we come together this season with all people of all backgrounds to celebrate the life and love of Christ.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What is one thing you can participate in this season that you can celebrate the season with people who may disagree with you?

Next part: Jesus’ Timeliness in Redemption || Curious About Christmas || Part 6

KEY LINKS:

• https://rlsolberg.com/should-christians-celebrate-christmas/
• https://www.exploregod.com/articles/why-dont-jehovahs-witnesses-celebrate-christmas
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wphHUEV84E
• https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-Christmas.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z9eYHYyL1k
• https://ukrainian-recipes.com/orthodox-and-catholic-christmas-whats-the-difference.html
• https://www.deseret.com/2014/12/13/20554634/they-re-christian-but-christmas-is-off-limits-for-several-faiths/
• https://amosministries.com/the-jehovahs-witness-controversy-of-celebrating-christmas/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/OrthodoxChristianity/comments/1hhfld8/how_is_christmas_celebrated_compared_to/
• https://www.ucg.org/learn/beyond-today-magazine/beyond-today-magazine-november-december-2017/why-some-christians-dont-celebrate-christmas