"JESUS IS OUR ALL"
Colossians 1:15-18

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."

If the book of Ephesians can be labeled the epistle portraying the "church of Christ," then Colossians must surely be portraying the "Christ of the church." Paul's purpose is to show that Christ is preeminent - first and foremost in everything - and the Christian's life should reflect that priority. Because believers are rooted in Him, alive in Him, hidden in Him, saved in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live life without Him.

The past, present and future, is all about Jesus. In the Colossian letter, Paul declares, in chapter 2:9, 10 that "…in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (the divine nature) bodily; and you (each one of us) are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." And what does God the Father think about all of this? Vs. 19, above, states that "…it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell…" God has made it all about Jesus.

On this Wednesday, much of the Bible believing world will focus on Jesus and the day of His birth. While we do not know His birth date, it is always good to spend time thinking about Jesus in any worthy regard. In Colossians 3:2 Paul said, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above...set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

While we remember Jesus' birth, let's not forget why He was born. He came to earth in human flesh "to seek and to save that which is lost" (Luke 19:10). He did that by giving His life on the cross for our sinfulness. That was the greatest gift!

Here's wishing you all a joyful and safe holiday season.