Friday, November 29, 2019  

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Colossians 1:11–20
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while 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. (NRSV)

Reflection
Jesus Christ became one of us as Word made Flesh,
revealing to us who God is; embodying who we are called to be.
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Jesus Christ gave his life for us,
that we may see how expansive is God’s love for all.
In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created.
All things are made one in Christ.

Jesus Christ was raised from the dead,
assuring everyone that goodness is stronger than evil, life is stronger than death,
light is stronger than darkness, love is stronger than hate.
Christ has authority over all. In Christ all things hold together.

Jesus Christ is exalted in glorious victory to make us sharers in God’s divinity,
drawing all people into one family of God.
Through Christ, God was pleased to reconcile all things,
whether on earth or in heaven, even to the end of the ages.

Jesus Christ departed from a particular place to be in all places.
In Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

As Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, he promised all followers a power from on high.
Though Jesus Christ is now hidden from our sight, he sent us the Holy Spirit
who enables us to see Christ in one another, and to abide in Christ
until God’s mercy and grace fill the whole creation.

Prayer
Glorious God, clothe us in your Spirit,
that we may share a common ministry of service for the whole world.
By your power, fill our voices with stories of your grace.
Strengthen our hands for the work of your mercy.
Transform us into your instruments of love,
bearers of your light, carriers of your hope,
agents of justice, bridge-builders for reconciliation. Amen.

Written by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor for Mission

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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