Daily Devotional | The Hymn of Christ

Did you know that there are possibly two hymns embedded in Apostle Paul’s letters to the churches? One of these texts is found in Colossians 1:15–20. Although it may have been a creed recited by early Christians, others believe they were truths set to a melody.

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we see statements that both affirm important doctrines and have elements of an ode or song. Notice how virtually each statement begins with Christ: “The Son”, “in Him”, or “He is.” Paul is showing that Christ is not only the head of each statement, but the head of the church (v. 18). Jesus Christ is acknowledged and proclaimed as God, Creator, Sustainer, the firstborn among the dead and supreme over all.

But what precedes this hymn? Paul writes with a heart of thanksgiving, faith, and love for God and His people (vv. 3–4). He testifies to a continual prayer for this church, a prayer of intercession that the saints in Colossae would be filled with God’s knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through the Spirit (v. 9). He prayed that God would allow them to bear fruit while growing, being strengthened, and having endurance, patience, and joy (vv. 10–12). More than that, he reminds them of the gospel: that through Christ, they had been rescued from darkness and were now a kingdom people, having redemption and forgiveness of sins (v. 14).

Only then is the hymn quoted. Paul says that our songs of faith in worship should flow out of a heart of thanksgiving, faith, and love for God, a love that flows to other believers. None of this would be possible without the gospel. For that reason, the honor, the praise in the songs of our churches must be focused on Christ alone.