15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. — Colossians 1:15–20 (ESV)

Jesus existed before the first atom was spoken into existence. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the first Adam and all of creation. He is supreme and over all that exists because he created and sustains it. He has brought peace through his blood, showing himself to be supreme over sin as the Reconciler of all his people and all creation. In his death and resurrection, he is supreme as the first to conquer death by the power of his resurrection, that he might lead his people through their death into the new creation. His supremacy and Lordship have no end. His reconciliation reaches all aspects of life. 

This Christmas, while we see all the chaos and disorder in the world, know that Christ is Lord over it all and reconciling it all. Nothing is off-limits. Racism. Illness. Violence. Abortion. Greed. Terrorism. Abuse. You name it. He is over all things and will reconcile all things. Because he is Lord over all, he has the power to reconcile all. As sin has entered the depths of all things, in his death and resurrection, His power to reconcile enters the depths of all things.

In the birth and life of Jesus, we have the Advent of the Lord and Creator of all, before us and amongst us. In his death and resurrection, we have the Advent of the Kingdom and new creation, before us and amongst us. As we celebrate the Advent season, place your hope in Jesus as he is supreme and Lord over all. Hope in Jesus is not the type of hope where we cross our fingers and long that things might go our way. Hope in Jesus is expectant and anticipatory because Jesus is on the throne, Lord over all, and making all things new. As Isaac Watts famously wrote in the carol “Joy to the World:” 

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make his blessings flow,
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.” 

Jesus is making peace by the blood of his cross and this peace reaches as far as the curse is found. Be hopeful and eager, Christian! Jesus is Lord and making all things new.

Liturgy 

Firstborn of all creation.
King of both hills and valleys.
We fall at your feet in adoration. 

But this week we have failed: Our flesh desires to rule as our own Lord, in our own kingdom, with our own laws. Give us the courage, O God, to turn and repent. Remind us daily that you alone are crowned. 

You are King: Creator and Sustainer.
You are King: far as the curse is found.
You are King: heralded at Advent.
You are King: Conqueror of sin and death.
You are King: restoring and making all things new.

From our health and safety, to our joy in the face of persecution, you know what you’re doing and we can trust in your sovereignty. Author of time, you know the outcome of this year’s — and every other year’s — events. 

Instill in us a steadfast faith to fiercely follow you straight on to eternity, come what may. 

Amen.