December 9, 2020
God Steps Out – Colossians 1:15-18
Dr. Larry S. Lightner
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones of dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. and 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, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. –Colossians 1:15-18
God discloses in His Word what we need to know. We do not have to guess what God is like, He tells us. We do not have to stare up at the skies and imagine. Is God really up there? Why does God not show Himself; we need to see Him!
God has already revealed Himself. He has let us see who He is! He did this by sending His one and only Son. That is the way god revealed Himself, fully making known to us who He is and what He is like. God stepped out. Jesus is God and appeared on earth in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). When Jesus spoke to Phillip, He made it abundantly clear to him as He spoke: Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Phillip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? (John 14:9-10).
The reality of celebration of the coming of Christ can get lost in the Christmas season when Christians treat the good news of Christmas lightly. God loves us and has shown us what He is like in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He stepped out, left the glory of heaven, coming down to where we live on earth. He came to be born of a virgin to bring salvation to lost humanity—to those who would believe in Him (John 3:16).
Every strength, all the character, every power of our great infinite God are found in Christ, that one Mary cradled in that Bethlehem manger.
Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). It is in Him that all things are created, and in Him that all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17).
Life Application
In this Advent season of 2020, as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let’s remember who He is. In Him we see the holiness of our heavenly Father. In Him we see the Father’s loving grace. In Him we capture a glimpse of the love of our eternal God.
Let’s not get so caught up in the bright lights, trees, gifts, and celebrations this Christmas that we would miss what God would have us see.
Prayer
- Pray that God would keep our hearts, ears, voices, and thinking in tune with Him during this Advent 2020 season and beyond.
- Pray that God would steady our love toward others to reflect who He is among those we encounter in this Christmas season.
- Pray that the many who come to the churches during Advent 2020 for the first time or at a time of stress over the world situation would be introduced to the God who stepped out from heaven.
