Colossians 2:8-10 “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;” (NASB)
Charlie Brown asks a valid question, “What is the true meaning of Christmas”? If you give it a thought you can understand the validity of his inquiry. Christmas in the year 2010 is full of traditions, adornments, activities and yes, beliefs that may blur the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is not about trees and decorations. Christmas is not about shopping and gift giving. Christmas is not even about gathering family together for that big dinner. Scripture in fact, never uses the word Christmas. The word Christmas is actually two words, Christ and mass and indicates the worship of Christ, the Son of God as part of a religious service. It is of particular importance to Christians as we celebrate the coming of Christ to the earth; as we celebrate his birthday.
What does Scripture say? Our passage today, written by Paul to the church in Colossai, the letter to the Colossians refers to the significance of Christmas. “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form”. When you think of baby Jesus in the manger do you remember, “The fullness of Deity”? Yes, although Jesus came to earth having emptied himself (Philippians 2:7), he remains fully God. He took the form of that helpless baby but He was and is fully God.
The passage goes on to remind us of the work of Jesus, “In Him you have been made complete”. This refers to the work of salvation and redemption and sanctification of the believer. It is through the work of the Deity that became flesh, Jesus, that we are completed. We believe that each believer is on a growth path, a spiritual growth path. Growing up then is a result of the work of Christ in us, completing us. All that made possible by His time with us, Immanuel.
Finally, the passage reminds us of just who Jesus is. “He is the head over all rule and authority”. In other words, nothing happens without Jesus knowing about it and agreeing that it should happen. Jesus is sovereign. Jesus, “… upholds all things by the word of His power…”. Hebrews 1:3 The buck stops with Jesus.
This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, as we decorate, give gifts and fulfill our traditions, let’s remember that little helpless child in the manger is completely God”. AMEN!
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