by Rev. Herbert Nichols

Scripture scholars consider today’s portion of Paul’s Letter to probably be a popular hymn commonly known by early Christians such as many of would know "Holy God We Praise Thy Name," or "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee." It celebrates the centrality of Christ of God’s full revelation as opposed to some of the erroneous approaches which we find Paul attempting to correct in chapters of next week’s readings.

It may seem very strange to us to be tempted to think of angels as superior to Jesus, if we even think of angels at all, but the Colossians were being misled to believe that creations including angels an humans could be as great or even superior to Jesus.

Paul uses this hymn to demonstrate an outstanding, NO! Christ existed before all else, and together with HIS Father and Holy Spirit is the cause of all creation.

Scripture assures us that to know what the Father is like, we need only look at the Son, but alas, he is no longer with us corporally upon the earth. He is with us in the extent that we see Him in the example of those who follow Him.

If through Baptism, I have become a child of God, than others should see me in the Trinitarian image. Do I love as God loves? Do I inspire others as the Holy Spirit inspires? Can people tell that Jesus is my brother, even if I don’t have shoulder length hair or a beard? Is the family resemblance strong enough that others can say: "There’s no doubt you are a Christian, one of His followers; your speech, your life, are so evident.

Have you ever found it amazing when there is a very strong resemblance among family members? I once introduced my brother to a friend who said: "It’s easy to see he’s your brother. On another occasion someone said, the older you get, the more you look like your father. Not only the eyes or the color of hair, but the manner of walking and speaking portrays a family resemblance. This could also be true of my maternal family who lived and died in Europe whom I never had a chance to meet.

But if this is true in the natural life, then it is likewise true in the supernatural life. Scripture says: God made us in his own image, in the image of God He has made us, and we are His children. Have you ever wondered what God our Father is really like?

It is very difficult to get mental picture of him, other than that of a bearded old man. Maybe a Santa Claus in a hunter green robe rather than a scarlet red suit. . .and for some God the Father is not much more than a Santa image, one who had better deliver or forget about it, nothing but fantasy.

The Father has made a way for us to come to know who he is through Jesus, the image of the invisible God. God the Son became incarnate in his words, his actions, his preaching and healing and atoning death. Through the example of Jesus we see the kind of God we have, who rules his people firmly, yet gently, reconciling and making peace, a God of mercy and of love.