Portrait by Omi Yang

Hymn to the One
in Whom All Things Holds All Things Together
Colossians 1:11–20

Who is Jesus?

Does it matter?

How do we answer the “So What?” question about Jesus?

We explored the question of Jesus’ relevance today, asserting that he matters significantly due to his teachings and influence throughout history. We outlined eight key statements from Colossians 1 that describe Jesus, including his kingship, role as the beloved son of God, and his function as the head of the church. We emphasized that Jesus is central to creation and reconciliation, inviting participants to meditate on these themes.

He is King

He is the beloved Son of God

3. He gives us redemption and forgiveness.

4. He is the image of the invisible God.

5. He is the Creator.

6. He holds everything together.

7. He is the head of the body who is in first place.

8. He is the peacemaker who reconciles all things.

Colossians 1:11–20

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, so that you may have all endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on 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 in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

We looked at the relevance of Jesus, highlighting his role as the human face of God and the glue that holds everything together. He acknowledges the challenges people face with organized religion but insists that these do not diminish the importance of Jesus

• Explore the Gospels to understand God’s nature through Jesus.
• Meditate on Colossians 1, verses 11 through 20.
• Listen to a song by Alanis Levandowski called “The Christ Hymn.”

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For Discussion Groups:

• What is the significance of the church in relation to Jesus
  • What do people do about the reality of Jesus?

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, — Luke 1:78

I would nearly burst with excitement as I anticipated the visits of distant relatives. Their suitcases always contained gifts. Their stories always transported me to distant places. And their jokes always seemed funnier than any I had heard for a long time.

I remember the emotions of wonderment and joy and, at times, disappointment when our guests suddenly had a change of plans and could not come.

The waiting would start all over again.

God’s people had been waiting for a long, long time. Most had stopped watching — stopped believing that He would really come. Their hearts had grown cold, their hopes had dimmed or even died.

Still others prayed and remained alert. They knew the visitation would come, that the dayspring would spring forth and hope would arise on the earth. They were waiting for Jesus and knew it not. To such, He appeared in the fullness of time.

Such tender mercy that God shows toward those who toil through the night. Dayspring comes. It bursts forth in the darkness and illuminates every hidden thing. With Him are freedom, hope, consolation, and joy. In Him all of our longings are answered. Anticipation is rewarded and gifts are abundant.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,

Born to set Thy people free.

From our fears and sins release us.

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s hope and consolation.

Hope of all the earth Thou art,

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.