From Advent to Epiphany: Reflections from Colossians

December 31st

Seventh Day of Christmas

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.

Colossians 4: 7-8

Every year, our denomination hosts a conference for all churches within ECO. This conference offers tremendous encouragement as participants listen to stories of God’s work around the country and world. We hear of huge numbers of Muslims coming to know Jesus. We hear of new churches forming and growing. We hear of innovative new ways of reaching the unreached. We hear of God’s good fruit within our denomination. And always, always… we walk away encouraged and blessed.

In this last section of Colossians, Paul offers the same type of encouragement. The Colossian church is not alone… just as our church in San Angelo is not alone. Jesus followers function not as individuals, but as a community, both locally and broadly. So, Paul sends Tychicus (and Onesimus) with this letter full of news of Paul. This letter connects the Colossians to the broader church family, encouraging their hearts with news of God’s fruitful work.

Paul describes Tychicus as a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and fellow servant of the Lord. We find Tychicus referenced in other New Testament passages, specifically Ephesians 6: 21-22, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Acts 20:4. Assuming this is the same man, we learn that Paul has sent Tychicus to both Ephesus and Crete. We also discover Tychicus’ presence with Paul during his third missionary journey. If you have ever served with another person on a difficult mission trip, you can relate to the bond between Paul and Tychicus. Tychicus has earned Paul’s approval and trust.

I wonder… on this New Year’s Eve day, how do we relate to this passage? How does this connect with our continued celebration of Christmas? How does this connect with magi’s journey to see the newborn king?

The moment of Jesus birth changed history. Paul’s letter, this witness of the ancient church community… testifies to the power and majesty of the baby in the humble manger. God’s continued work in our community and the world testifies to the power and majesty of the baby in the humble manger.

Jesus transforms hearts.

Jesus changes lives.

Jesus invites us to come and follow Him.

Jesus invites us to grow our relationship with Him (Love God).

Jesus invites us to join Jesus on His mission (Love People).

Jesus invites us to become Jesus followers who make Jesus followers.

This is the invitation as we journey with the magi to the stable, as we face this New Year... Jesus invites us to take our next step in discipleship, to come follow Him, to be Jesus followers who make Jesus followers.