The Colossians readings selected for worship currently present an incredible image of everything, everything that is,  being gathered and completed in Christ.

   Colossians presents to us glimpses of a Christ who achieves far more than ‘my salvation’. Of course this aspect of Jesus’ work is not overlooked. Actually, the author argues that our understanding of salvation needs stretching! (9 For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.1:9f).

   He argues our self focus in understanding how salvation works for us  (13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins 1:13) needs to be expanded to a mind-set which includes within this salvation we  enjoy, everything that is known… and even more (20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross 1”20)..  

   What God has in mind for us, God plans for everything:  for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together..!

   This One, in whom everything is gathered and completed, this One is the One who journeys with us as head of the Church! (He is the head of the body, the church 1:18.) Through the Spirit our Lord is both within It is Christ in you, the hope of glory (1:27), and beyond us All things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (1:16,17).