and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:20 (ESV)

RESTORING ALL THINGS

I have to admit… I am a creature of habit. I enjoy doing the same things in the same ways, and it rarely gets old to me. There is something comforting about consistency. Whether it’s my daily routine, favorite spots to eat, or choice of vacation destinations, I tend to gravitate toward what I know and love. If you add my love for the beach into the mix, then there’s really no question where the Hickman vacations are spent. The beach is always the answer.

A few years ago, we were planning a trip for just the two of us before our daughter was born, but there was one problem… With COVID restrictions easing, the beaches were packed, and the prices were far higher than we could afford. So, we decided to check Expedia for the cheapest flights we could find and ended up spending a week in Denver.

I had never been that far west before, so I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away! It was beautiful in a way I had not anticipated—driving around town and seeing the mountains, going on hikes, and experiencing a completely different climate. I remember sitting at a Rockies game in the middle of summer. It was 95 degrees outside, but I wasn’t sweating because of the lack of humidity!

If I’m honest, nature can amaze me, but it’s not my default preference. I’d rather sleep than watch the sunrise. I’d rather lazily sit on the beach than trek through the mountains. I’d rather be indoors than outdoors. Yet, my biggest takeaway from that trip was the reminder to pause and reflect on the One who created all these things.

When I read this verse, all I can think of is the word hope. God offers reconciliation not only between us and Himself but also for all creation. Have you ever considered that the broken things of this world will one day be made right? The entire world has been marked by sin, but through the blood of Jesus and His eventual return, the wrongs of this world will be made right. The hurts will be healed. The curse that touches each of our lives will be reversed.

Imagine today that we could return to the Garden of Eden. This is what Jesus offers. The curse introduced in Genesis 3 is being undone one person, one situation, and one moment at a time. And here’s the best part—this restoration doesn’t have to wait until Jesus returns. It has already begun! As people continue turning to God, the world is being restored. Strained relationships can experience divine healing. The power of sin in our lives can be broken.

This is why our hope must extend beyond our immediate circumstances. Yes, through the cross, you have been saved. Jesus came to reconcile you to God and to restore your relationship with your Creator. But His work doesn’t stop with you. He came to restore all things, bringing peace not just between you and God, but between all creation and its Creator. The fullness of God’s plan is not just individual salvation but also cosmic restoration. It is a plan that encompasses everything and everyone. It is a hope that reaches beyond us, into the world around us, into the future, and into eternity.

As we move through this Christmas season, I encourage you to reflect on the fullness of God’s plan of salvation—not just for you, but for the whole world. Jesus came to reconcile all things to Himself and to restore the world to its intended purpose. As His followers, we are part of that mission.

Our hope is not just personal; it is global. We have hope for the restoration of everything—humanity, creation, and society. And we are called to live as people of hope, working toward the day when Jesus will return and make all things new.

This Christmas, let us embrace the big picture of salvation. Let us remember that Jesus came not only to redeem us but also to redeem the world. As we wait for the full realization of this hope, let us live in a way that reflects the restoration already at work. Our hope is not just for ourselves; it is for the whole world—a hope worth sharing with everyone we meet.

Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.