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“Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King: Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!’ Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!’ Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King.’ ”
We’re practically compelled to feel the true Spirit of Christmas with this carol! It’s hard to find another carol that states so well the message of redemption: “God and sinners reconciled.” The fellowship that humanity enjoyed with God was broken during the Fall, and along with it, the worship that flowed naturally from created humanity to the Creator God.
Yesterday, we spent time worshiping Jesus as the Lord of creation, and today we switch the focus to Jesus as Lord of redemption. We see that the first part of the redeemed order, or re-creation, is the church
(v. 18). The essential link between the church and the resurrection of Jesus is quite clear. Recall that firstborn meant preeminence. Thus, Jesus has the same exalted position in the new resurrection order that He has among the entire created world. It follows quite logically that Jesus is the only true head of the church, because it is His very body.
Any remaining doubt of Christ’s supremacy is removed in verse 19, which tells us that God was pleased for all His fullness to be present in Jesus. There’s much discussion about the exact meaning of this verse. Because the context is Jesus’ work of redemption, it’s probably best to understand fullness as a reference to God’s deity dwelling in Jesus during His Incarnation. Therefore this verse affirms that Jesus is fully divine and fully human.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christmas traditions vary from family to family. Some open some or even all of their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve, while others save everything for Christmas morning. But regardless of the timing, make a conscious effort this year to thank the Lord for the greatest gift of all–the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth, let’s never take for granted what His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection mean. Without Him, there would be no Christmas and no hope for reconciliation with God the Father.
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