The Gift of Belonging: Colossians 1:15-20

DNA kits have become a popular Christmas present in the last few years, enabling people to discover connections they never realized they had. In some cases, these have led to awkward conversations about family secrets thought long buried. In other cases, it has led to amazing reunions. For example, I’ve been following the case of Melissa Highsmith, who was kidnapped 51 years ago and raised by her abductors in cruelty and abuse. Melissa’s family found her after registering with 23andMe and finding those connections. Her father says of his reunion with Melissa, “it’s unspeakable joy.” We long for connection to each other and God. In his love for us, Jesus made that connection through his coming to us. Paul writes in Colossians 1:15, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Firstborn! The older brother you never knew you had! More than that, though, he’s the one who connects us all and makes us family. In this message, we look at the Incarnation—God with us, in the flesh. In that miraculous declaration, we find a gift that fills us with unspeakable joy. It fills us with belonging!