Tuesday, Second Week of Advent 2009
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. –Colossians 1:15-17
When we say Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation” we don’t mean that He was the first being created by God – we know He is one with God and was present at creation. And as our scripture says – He is the One who created. This use of firstborn indicates primacy – or first place. Now in Jewish and British tradition firstborn meant just what it says “first” in line and “primacy of place” in gaining the family blessing and inheritance. This is probably true of other societies as well.
Jesus has first place – He is first over creation. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father. He is seated at the place of honor – the right-hand of the Father. This is the mystery and wonder of Advent. The Father asked the Son to sacrifice all so that we could have a place in His family.
Our place isn’t as second-class citizens. We aren’t ranked in the family by how long we’ve been in relationship with the Father. We aren’t more highly honored than others in the family because of what we can bring to the relationship. We are simply loved – graciously forgiven – mercifully led. We aren’t in the family for what we can get out of it – we’re in it to serve each other. We aren’t in the family to lord it over those who aren’t a part – we’re in it to extend the love, grace and mercy we received to everyone.
This is why the family of God is different from other families. There’s no jockeying for position and favor. We honor one another. We serve one another. And we are loved by our Father just as if we were all firstborns.
Father the greatest gifts we will ever receive come from Your hand. Thank you for giving us Your Son. Thank You for His willing obedience. Thank you for love, grace, and mercy. Amen
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
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