Thursday, December 22, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Colossians 1:11–15, 19

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 the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. (NRSV)  

Reflection

Paul’s letter to the Colossians is very upbeat in spite of the fact that it was probably sent because the apostle sensed or had heard of difficulties that had arisen among the faithful of the city. Paul emphasizes that redemption is to be found in Christ. The first part of Paul’s message deals with what the saints are to believe, and the second part of the letter deals with how we are to live. Paul outlines a glorious view of Christ. 

Paul prays that the Colossians (us) may be strengthened with all power so that we are blessed with endurance and patience. Endurance and patience are critical for us as we navigate this twenty-first-century world. We are sharers in the inheritance of God’s holy people in the kingdom of light. I find this assertion especially fitting for Fourth Church as we describe ourselves as a light in the city. 

God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son God loves. In Christ, we find redemption and the forgiveness of sins. 

Paul’s picture of the Son is powerful. He describes God as being well pleased to have all of God’s fullness dwell in the Son. 

In Christ we also find the power to not only be called the children of the light but to be true children of the light. This is a heavy burden that we can only bear if we call on the Son with all of God’s fullness to indwell our work on each day. 

Prayer

Precious Lord, we bless you for your work through us. Help us to see your face in all of our fellow creations. Prompt us to call on your blessed self to imbue us with the endurance and patience to be the instruments of your redemptive work. Amen. 

Written by Blake Anderson, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church  

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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