Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Colossians 2:9-10
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (NLT)
Christmas is often a time to make lists: items we want, gifts to buy for others, places to go, meals to prepare. But what if today we also wrote down a list of a few people to intentionally pray for and disciple this year? That would be a special Christmas list to keep going all year long!
There are people all around us who need encouragement and reminders that in Christ, we have everything that we need for salvation and daily life. Ask yourself, “this year who needs to hear of the hope I have in my Savior?” Think for a moment about where you live, work, and play. Perhaps this Christmas you will also travel outside of daily routines to other family and friends.
Whether a struggling fellow believer, or the lost, jot down a few names of those around you who need the power of your earnest prayers (James 5:16), and your discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). Then let the Holy Spirit guide you this year as you intentionally pray for and love on these people. Your obedience will minister to the very cries of their heart.
Colossians 2:10 gives us a peek into the heart of man, “so you also are complete through your union with Christ…” Therefore, without Christ we are incomplete, and so much of the world is still searching for how to fill this God-shaped hole in their heart. Much like an unfinished to-do list, there is a restlessness of unfinished business in the heart of the lost and a desire to connect with something greater than one’s self (Ecclesiastes 3:11). What a gift God gave the world when Christ, in the fullness of deity, came to earth to show us what it looks like to be complete-Jesus is our heart’s missing puzzle piece.
In other words, “everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything” (Colossians 2:9-10, The Message).
Colossians 2 also speaks of freedom and new life in Jesus, and guides us to build our life upon His strength. Even believers can fall prey to satan’s lies and the temptation to find our wholeness in worldly living and man-made standards. We need fellowship and discipleship with other believers to keep us growing rooted and living in the freedom of Christ (Colossians 2:6-8).
Begin your Christmas list today: grab your prayer journal or an index card to place on the dash of your car, or somewhere else you will be reminded to pray. Brainstorm small ways you can begin building these relationships. Don’t just keep the gospel in your heart this year-share it and live it with those on your Christmas list!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior and my Completion–what rest and peace I now have in my eternity! What fullness and meaning that brings my life! Build the disciplines of prayer and discipleship in my life so I can share this hope with others. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Luke 1:38
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.