Advent 4B (December 18, 2011: Colossians 1:21-23)

The last of the series 'looking for the REAL Jesus' as published in Reformed Worship, Vol. 101, helps us look beyond the manger and the humble, unimaginable incarnation of God to the end point, the culmination of the reason for the birth in the first place.

           'And you, who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 

           [Jesus Christ] has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as 

           to present you blameless and irreproachable before him....' (v.21-22)

Estrangement, even mental hostility always has its physical overtones. To turn away is to sin. How often in the height of an argument have you heard: 'don't you walk away from me!' or 'whenever things get the least bit tough, you always turn to .... ' Our physical stance is the analogy of our relationship with God. 

So the question I hear this week is: without Jesus Christ and his reconciling work, what does your picture with God look like?

Gavin, demonstrating his yoga prowess

Brenna, in a sea of beach debris

sibling nonchalant attitudes?

AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!