Reading With the People of God #8 PeaceMuestra

Colossians 1:19-20

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Do you ever wonder how God feels about the incarnation? The eternal God, creator of all things, righteous and holy, took on flesh and became man. Surely, the best you could hope for describing God’s attitude towards this event would be that he was willing. But no. Paul tells us that he was pleased to do it. That should leave you amazed. Why would God be pleased to take on flesh and die for people who hate him? That a father would be willing to die for his child is something we understand. But Jesus is pleased to die for his enemies to make them children of God. This tells us something important: God is all about peace and reconciliation.

WHY WOULD GOD BE PLEASED TO TAKE ON FLESH AND DIE FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE HIM?

In Hebrews 12:2, we are told that Christ endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” That joy is creation’s reconciliation and peace with God. This promise of peace is the message spoken to Adam and Eve after the fall. This is the message delivered to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the message placed in the mouths of the Old Testament prophets and sung by angels to shepherds. And this is the message Christians proclaim and cling to today. Out of unfathomable love, God was pleased to become man and shed his blood to bring peace and reconciliation to the world. Christmas is the declaration that God is not only willing to make peace with you, he is pleased to do it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reconciliation and making peace with sinners through the cross of your incarnate Son. Amen.