A Call to Discipleship: Reflections from Colossians

December 23rd

Twenty-Fifth Day of Advent

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

Colossians 3:15-16

Tomorrow will be Christmas Eve. For many of us, this brings excitement and joy. For others, this brings stress and anxiety. Gifts to wrap. Meals to prepare. Houses to clean. Or, perhaps, for some of us, this brings deep sorrow. Holidays weigh heavy in seasons of mourning. Some of us may feel alone. Peace may seem out of reach.

But this passage offers hope; hope found in community, in gratitude, and in worship. We all experience times of distress, sadness, and anxiety. Me included. During a particularly difficult season, a dear friend shared some wise advice. She admonished me to turn on some worship music, play it loudly… and sing at the top of my lungs. I must have looked quite silly walking around my house, crying, hands up, singing at the top of my lungs. But despite feeling self-conscience… worship brought light into the darkness.

We find peace as we bear our souls to the Lord. We find peace when we come together as one body, teaching and admonishing one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to the Lord. Our circumstances may not change. But we find peace in Him.

Whether this day brings happiness or sorrow, anxiety or peace… know that you are not alone. Jesus invites you to come before the throne of grace. Jesus invites you into His family of faith. And as we approach Christmas Eve, let us be filled with gratitude in our hearts, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Let us sing in anticipation of the newborn king… and let us share our hope and peace.

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel

Thomas Helmore

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel