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The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

Colossians, like the text in Hebrews Pastor Michael mentioned yesterday, gives an incredible, cosmic view of Christ.  He is the one who is before all things, through whom all things are reconciled to God, and in whom all things hold together.  Christ is at the centre.  And that makes Christ the solid and trustworthy point around whom we can orient our lives.  Much like the North Star is for mariners navigating choppy seas, so Christ is the light that can help us fix our bearings.

It takes eyes of faith to see this, because life’s clouds and storms continue to blot out the sky: forces and powers with names like ‘cancer’ and ‘lockdown’ cause our world to feel like it’s falling apart. 

I think that’s why Paul reminds us that the reality of Christ as the cosmic one who holds all things together is anchored right here in the reality of this world—through the cross. 

So even when the heavens are hidden from view—Jesus is for us the reminder and promise that God has dwelt with us in the mud and muck of this earth, suffering the worst of it with us, dying and rising again to new life within the concrete history of the world in which we live.  He knows the powers we face, and He has defeated them through the cross.

If you’re searching to be filled or to feel fulfilled, look no further—the fullness of God dwells in Christ.  If you’re looking for life in the midst of much that leads down paths of death, look no further—Christ is the firstborn from among the dead, the promise of new life for us also.  If you need assurance that all this is not some pipe dream hidden in the clouds—look no further—this cosmic Christ is also the earthly Jesus, God with us.

Jesus Christ orients our lives and our living.  He gives us the identity that fixes our bearings.  And so, as in most letters Paul writes, he goes on to tell us in the letter of Colossians how this orientation point in Christ changes the rest of our journey.  These then, are the words I’ll leave you with, from Colossians 3:  

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

On my ornament today, I’m going to draw a picture of the North Star shining in the sky to remind me that Jesus is the orientation point for my life.  Or maybe you’ll think of it as the star over Bethlehem orienting the world to Christ. 

As for an Action today: I wonder if there is one invitation from the Colossians 3 passage I just read that stuck out to you that you might put into practice in your relationship with someone else today.  One concrete way the Holy Spirit might be inviting you to orient your living in light of Christ.