The poetic words of verses 15-20 appear to be the lyrics to an early Christian hymn in honor of Jesus. Like other first-century Christian writing, these verses did not seek to explain the mystery that the human Jesus was “God with us.” They simply stated it as the reality that Paul and the early believers said was transforming their lives. “All the fullness of God” lived in him, said this joyous hymn. He truly was “God with us.”

• If we focus on the stories that usually lead the news, we might wonder what the final line of the Christ hymn is supposed to mean: “He brought peace through the blood of his cross.” Too often, in homes, companies or nations, we try to bring about peace by changing external conditions while leaving hearts unchanged. In what ways has Jesus brought peace into your life “from the inside out”? How have you seen that kind of peace transform alienation and pain into renewed relationships?
• Rector Dick Lucas wrote that “If [Col. 1:15-20] was a spiritual song along the lines of Colossians 3:16, it would make the teaching hymns of even a Charles Wesley appear lightweight.” Review the hymn’s lyrical lines, noting all of the qualities and actions of Jesus they name. Which of them mean the most to you? Which of them would you like to understand better?