“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Colossians 1:15-17

Opening Thought

At Christmas, we celebrate that the eternal Son of God — the One who created and sustains everything— entered His own creation.

When Paul says Jesus is “the image of the invisible God,” he means more than a reflection. Jesus is the exact likeness of God — the God we can see. He is not a copy, not a messenger, not just a teacher or prophet. He is God Himself, revealed to us in human form.

Christmas isn’t the story of a great man’s birth; it’s the story of God becoming man.

Reflection

1. The God We Can See

Humanity has always longed to know what God is like — to see His face, hear His voice, and understand His heart. In Bethlehem, that longing was fulfilled.

When we look at Jesus, we are not seeing a reflection of God — we are seeing God Himself. His compassion, His humility, His power, His truth — all of it reveals the very nature of the invisible God.

The baby in the manger is the full and perfect image of the Creator who spoke galaxies into being.

2. The Firstborn Over All Creation

“Firstborn” doesn’t mean Jesus was created; it means He is first in rank, honor, and authority.

Before there was time, before there was light, before the first star shone — Jesus already was.

He is eternal, uncreated, supreme over all that exists. Everything was made through Him and for Him. That means Christmas is not just about His coming into the world — it’s about the world belonging to Him in the first place.

3. The Sustainer of All Things

Paul reminds us that “in Him all things hold together.” Each moment of existence for the cosmos and everything in it is because it is His will to sustain it.

The One who holds the universe together — who controls every atom — chose to enter into His creation as an infant to redeem it.

4. The Supremacy of Christ at Christmas

Christmas is not merely a story of love and kindness; it’s a declaration of divine supremacy.

Jesus didn’t come just to teach us, inspire us, or show us a better way — He came because He is God, and only God could save what had been lost.

The Creator stepped into creation to rescue it — to rescue us and redeem us unto Himself.

“The Infinite became an infant” so that what was broken could be made whole.

Application

When we say Christmas is “all about Christ,” we mean this: everything exists for Him.

In a world that feels uncertain or fragile, remember that Jesus isn’t just part of the story — He is the story. He holds the universe together, and He holds you together, too. Even when things seem dark or out of control, He is in control.

Worship Him not only as the child in the manger but as the eternal God who reigns above all things and lives within those who believe.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are the image of the invisible God — the God we can see.

You are before all things, the first and the greatest, the eternal Creator who holds everything

together.

This Christmas, help us to see beyond the manger and behold Your majesty.

Thank You for entering Your creation to save it — to save us.

Keep our hearts centered on You, the supreme and everlasting King.

Amen.

Merry Christmas from the McInnis Family!

Jason & Esther McInnis