Colossians 1:15-20

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible…” (Colossians 1:15-16a NRSV)

Oh! Oh! Oh! Get out your Bible and read this whole passage from Paul’s letter! It’s really good! If you read it with your whole self you may want to get up and dance around the table. This is good news! For those of us who like to be in control and rarely get to be, this is proof positive that we don’t have to be! God is in charge. Everything has been created by God. God is first and last and all in-between. God is the beginning. God is creator, chairperson, spiritual guide and reconciler. We don’t need to be in charge.

Whew! Good. Because the Christmas season is advancing quickly with all its lists of things to do and I can get so caught up in all that mess. This message from Paul reminds me that for which I am waiting, that which has always been, that which is to come is far more important, and fulfilling, than anything on my to-do list.

So relax. Dance around the table. Shout “hallelujahs” till the neighbors come to see what is going on. God is in charge, making miracles, making peace, making joy. Whoot!

God of the Advent Time, help us to enjoy this waiting time. May our anticipation for the coming Gift avoid becoming “anticipointment” from all the unnecessary fuss! May we keep you front and center and dance with you around the table. Amen.

– The Rev. Fay Ann Blaylock, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Falls City, and Zion United Church of Christ, Rulo