Read Colossians 1:15-23
Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians to counter the heresy of gnosticism which was threatening their church. It taught that God is good but matter is evil; Jesus was not a man, but a lesser spirit emanating from God. Colossians 1:15-17 is an early creed describing the supremacy of Christ. It clearly states that Jesus is God and has been so for all eternity. Everything has been created through Christ and for Him. He existed before anything else and He holds all of creation together. These claims are even more incredible in light of findings from the Hubble and James Webb telescopes. The universe is so much larger than we have ever imagined!
Amazingly, Jesus left His exalted position to be born as a baby in Bethlehem and then to die on the Cross. As a result of His shed blood on the Cross, He is able to make peace with everyone and everything, not only on earth but also in heaven.
At this time almost everyone, regardless of their worldview or where they are from, yearns for peace. First, Jesus made a way for each of us to have peace with God. Then, Jesus is able to reconcile us to each other.
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one (Jews and Gentiles) and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:13-14 CSB)
In Athens, after Paul noticed a statue to an unknown god, he spoke to the gathered philosophers and city leaders about the known God. He shared that God’s purpose was for the nations to seek after God and to find Him. As a result of Christ’s death, people who were once far away from God can be brought into His presence and become holy and blameless before Him. This is the Good News that Paul was proclaiming and that was being preached all over the world. As a result, Jesus reconciled people from every tribe, tongue and nation to Himself. He is truly the Prince of Peace.
For Reflection:
- How does the creed in Colossians 1:15-17 magnify your view of Jesus?
- How have you experienced the peace of Jesus?
* Bring out the shepherd figure(s) and gather the sheep around them. They would be the first to hear the news that Jesus was born! That night, the angels would sing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14).
by Bonnie Tesch
