For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:1-5)

Paul had just finished explaining how he toils and struggles through the power of God to proclaim Christ and make disciples. Then, he shifts his tone in chapter 2 with a deeply personal note—he tells the Colossians of his struggle for them, using a word that implies deep, intense concern. He longed for their hearts to be encouraged, for them to be unified in love, and for their faith to be anchored in the full assurance of Christ. He wanted them to grow in maturity so they wouldn’t be deceived by persuasive arguments that sound good but lead away from truth.

That should make us pause and ask ourselves:

Do I have this kind of concern for others? Do I long for their encouragement, unity, and growth in Christ the way Paul did? Or am I too quick to critique immaturity instead of stepping into the loving work of building others up through grace and truth?

If we want to love people like this—to see them as God sees them—we have to examine my own hearts first. Pride and self-focus are subtle but powerful barriers. They keep us from humbly loving, from listening, from lifting others above ourselves. But the good news is, this kind of love isn’t something we have to muster on our own. Just like Paul said in Colossians1:29, this struggle is done with God’s energy, which He powerfully works within us.

So, let’s return again to the instruction: Abide in Christ. Remain in Him. Let Him do the work in you and through you.

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:27-29)

The mystery once hidden but now revealed is this: Christ in us, the hope of glory. This reality should shake us to our core—not just comforting us, but transforming us. We are not just saved; we are co-heirs with Christ. And in that transformation, we don’t stay silent. We proclaim Him. We warn. We teach with all wisdom – not to boast in knowledge, but so that every person may be presented mature in Christ.

Discipleship flows from love, and it’s not optional. It’s a call that requires our surrender. It means giving up comfort, being willing to teach and be taught, to share what God has given and humbly receive from others. Jesus modeled this in His earthly ministry, and He commissioned us to follow in that way.

Paul said he toiled and struggled for this very reason—discipleship. But he didn’t do it in his own strength. He did it with the energy God powerfully worked in him. That’s what makes this holy striving different from striving in our flesh. It’s not about proving ourselves. It’s about obedience fueled by God’s Spirit, working in us to build up the body of Christ in love.

Discipleship is work, yes. But most importantly - discipleship is love in action. It’s the Church maturing together under the headship of Christ. And in every struggle to love, to teach, to grow, and to receive, we’re participating in the mystery: Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Christmas is a season often filled with anticipation—children waiting to open presents, families planning gatherings, and many of us quietly hoping for something special to receive. Yet, in the midst of all the wrapping paper, ribbons, and lists, it is worth pausing to remember the gift that outshines them all: Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul writes, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Unlike earthly gifts that fade or break, this gift is eternal. God sent His Son, not wrapped in festive paper, but in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. He came in humility, entering our broken world to bring us salvation, peace, and everlasting hope.

When we reflect on this, our hearts are drawn away from “What can I get?” toward “How can I give thanks?” Gratitude is the most fitting response to the One who gave us everything—life, forgiveness, and eternity with Him.

This Christmas, may we slow down, set aside the noise of consumerism, and lift our eyes in worship. As we gather with loved ones, let us not forget to bow in humility before the Giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), remembering that the greatest treasure is not under the tree but found in the Savior who hung on the tree.

Lord, help us to remember this season that You gave us the greatest gift of Your Son, Jesus. Please fill our hearts with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the day Jesus Christ was born into our world to save us. Amen.

Merry Christmas!