Read: Colossians 1:1-14

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January 7, 2025

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. Colossians 1:3–5a (CSB)

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Every year in December the “stars/musicians/politicians we lost this year” stories run in the news. Then every awards show in the new year plays “in memoriam” reels at some point during the evening. 

I find these reels fascinating like my mother reading the obits in the newspaper (back when those things were a thing) or grams and gramps listening to the “Funeral Announcements” on AM1250 in their car on the way to church. 

You might think that such a thing is morbid, but it really isn’t. That being said, while there is a certain aspect of the obits, in memoriams, and funeral announcements that are intended to honour the departed, they also accomplish another important task, reminding us that we are alive. 

Although it’s true that there is polite applause during some of the images of departed celebrities (not the costume designers, mind you), the standing ovations are reserved for the decidedly alive. We cheer the loudest for the ones who can still appreciate it. 

The book of Colossians begins and ends with a celebration of the ones who are alive. I find it fascinating that sprinkled through the book are names of people like Epaphras who is named in the first 14 verses of Paul’s letter. At the end, there are even more names. And at the beginning, Paul addresses the “saints in Christ at Colossae.” A whole bunch of people all named at once. 

Of course, it makes sense that Paul is addressing people who are alive, but he does more than that, he celebrates them. He applauds their faith – and I think in this accolade Paul shows us what it means to be truly alive. 

First, they have heard truth and believed it; we know this because it is already bearing fruit among you. It is moving quickly through the community. Second, it recognizes grace. Being alive is being conscious of God’s grace to us. Third, it is to love. Epaphras has recorded their love for one another. 

But then Paul goes on to say there is more life yet to live – there is growth – and he’s praying for it. 

1. Knowledge and Wisdom (v. 9): Spiritual growth begins with being filled with the knowledge of God’s will, guided by wisdom and spiritual understanding.
2. Living Worthy of the Lord (v. 10): This knowledge empowers believers to live in a manner that pleases God, marked by good works and continual growth in knowing Him more deeply.
3. Being Empowered by God’s Strength (v. 11): Spiritual growth requires God’s power, which provides the endurance, patience, and joy needed to navigate life’s challenges.
4. Gratitude for Redemption (v. 12–14): A heart of thankfulness arises from recognizing God’s work in rescuing believers from darkness, transferring them into the kingdom of Christ, and granting redemption and forgiveness.

This is what it means to be alive. When I see the memorials I am reminded that at some point the movement will stop, the growth will end, but until that moment, I am to celebrate how far I’ve come and press forward towards a hope reserved for me in heaven. 

This year, may this be true for you too. You weren’t a black and white photo in a lovely montage with moving music, you are alive. So live in 2025 and grow in Jesus.