And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 1:18-20
Jesus was born to a poor family in a borrowed stable. This was not at all what the world expects from a king, and that was one of the reasons why people found it hard to believe that Jesus was truly the Messiah and Savior. He did not fit the image people had of a mighty ruler. Yet even as an infant, and even lying in a feeding trough, Jesus was the fullness of God. And though He was not yet even able to speak, He was already the hope of the world. This truth is expressed in the beautiful Christmas song “One King,” often sung by choirs during the Christmas season:
A star hangs over Bethlehem,
A journey ends in the night.
Three kings, trembling
Behold the glorious sight.
Heaven’s treasure Emmanuel
Drawing men to bow down,
Tiny baby born to wear a crown.
One king held the frankincense,
One king held the myrrh,
One king held the purest gold,
One king held the hope of the world.
The arrival of Jesus was just as much a part of God’s plan as His sinless life, His death on the cross and His victorious resurrection. God’s love and grace for us are so great that He delighted in the plan for our deliverance despite the cost. “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10). We should never doubt God’s commitment to us, and in return for all that we have received our commitment to Him should be unbreakable.
