Advent Day 4: Hope of Glory

Day 4: Hope of Glory
A selection from 25 Days of Hope 2020 and 25 Days of Glory 2023, adapted 2024

The mystery hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to his saints. To them, God chose to make…the riches of the glory of this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26-27

What was the mystery hidden through the ages, but now revealed? God didn’t choose a building, a city, or a thing built by human hands. He chose sons and daughters to be his dwelling place, to be his temple.

To fully appreciate the glorious riches that take up residence inside of us when we are redeemed by Jesus, we have to back up a little bit to verse 15. Reading all of Colossians 1 is best. It’s pretty great. I will summarize.

Jesus has always existed. He is first. Everything is made through him. Nothing exists without him. And he is holding everything together. The fullness of God is pleased to dwell in him. And though we were enemies with God, through Jesus’ body and blood, we are reconciled to Father and made holy. And then Paul wraps it up by saying, Christ in you, the hope of glory.

All of Jesus, everything he is, and the fullness of God dwelling in him, is alive inside of us. That’s our full-access inheritance. That’s a lot of glory. And it raises a really good question.

What are you going to do with Christ in you?

Daily Reading:
Colossians 1:15-29

Declaration:
As we celebrate your birth, Jesus, and prepare for your return, it’s an honor and joy to carry your life, to carry everything you came for! Find a home in us.