For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things.
Colossians 1:19-20a
“God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things”.
Have you ever read a more perfect example of an understatement? Surely only an Englishman could have written that translation? Imagine Eden: Adam and Eve having a sundowner with God, chatting about their day. It’s perfect. Then humankind blew it and that precious relationship became a fable. The Great Story of the Bible is about God restoring that relationship. It’s a long and winding road, until finally, Jesus comes to pay the price, re-set the balance, re-build the bridge, whatever imagery your theological stance has adopted. God and humankind are reconciled, at last. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father ran out to meet his son, killed the fatted calf, threw a party, was over the moon. Was God pleased to reconcile all things to himself? You bet. I would like to imagine the whole of heaven was chanting, stamping its feet and yelling!
This Christmas, whether it’s the Hallelujah Chorus or We Will Rock You on your playlist, let us celebrate being reconciled to God.
Linda