Firstborn: Luke 2:1-7

“1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”—Luke 2:1–7, NASB 95

“13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.[1]”—Colossians 1:13–23, NASB 95

This week marks a season in the church’s calendar we call Advent. Advent means “arrival” and signifies the start of an event or the arrival of a person. Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent,” of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. In the next 4 weeks, we will prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As we do, we want to recognize Jesus as the Firstborn.

The hymn of Colossians 1 will guide us through this series. Paul highlights Christ’s supremacy over creation, the grave, and sin. We also get a glimpse into Christ’s deity and how He reveals the Father. There will be lots to cover in this series.

1. Start by reading Colossians 1:13:24 out loud. Make some observations about Christ from this passage.
2. Sunday, we highlighted that Jesus is “firstborn over all creation.” Russell showed that firstborn is about status and priority. Think about our creation series and how Genesis 1-3 makes much of God’s creative work. What does this say about Jesus if His status is above all that has been created?
3. We highlighted several prepositions on Sunday regarding Jesus and creation. Which of the highlighted prepositions impacts you the most? Why?
4. The theological truths from this passage are rich but may seem abstract. How can they apply this to everyday worries and concerns we face? Try finishing the following statements.
- If Christ is the source for all we see in creation, then…
- If everything is for Christ and His glory, then…
- If Christ is sustaining creation and holding it all together, then…
5. Who do you know that needs to be encouraged by these truths? How will you share them?