For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

Colossians 1:19 (ESV)

THE FULLNESS OF GOD

We bought our first home almost five years ago, and we were incredibly unaware of everything it takes to keep a house going. I remember that after our first spring in the house, I was so frustrated by the number of weeds in our yard. Hannah and I spent a whole Saturday morning slowly walking every inch of our yard, picking weeds and throwing them away. I came back inside, called my dad, and asked him how he kept his yard spotless. I didn’t remember him ever spraying the yard or going out to pick weeds, so I thought he must have figured something out. He laughed when I asked and said, “Sel… I have a yard guy who sprays our yard.”

I had no idea what it took to be a homeowner compared to living in an apartment, where we could just call the maintenance guy. In our passage today, Paul talks about the fact that the fullness of God dwells (or resides) in Christ.

When Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians, he used the word fullness to convey a deep truth about Jesus. Jesus was not just a man with some divine qualities; He was fully God and fully man. The fullness of God means that, in the person of Jesus, nothing was lacking. He was the complete picture of God, not just a glimpse. All the characteristics and attributes you would associate with God the Father—His wisdom, power, holiness, and love—were also fully present in Jesus.

This is an essential truth of our Christian faith, especially at Christmas. As we remember the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the revelation of God Himself. Jesus’ coming into the world was not just a historic event or a symbolic gesture. It was God’s plan to reveal Himself to humanity in the clearest and most direct way possible. Jesus didn’t merely carry a portion of God’s presence; He was God made flesh.

Mike reminded us of this truth at the beginning of our Christmas series when he talked about Jesus being the image of the invisible God in Colossians 1:15. In Jesus, we see what God is truly like. His character, compassion, mercy, and grace are fully revealed in the life and person of Jesus Christ.

When we reflect on the fullness of God during this Christmas season, we are reminded of our Creator. He did not simply create the world, set it into motion, and let everything play out on its own. God has always been active in the world He created. When He chose to enter the world—even though He had full power and authority—He chose to do it in a lowly manger. As you remember the manger, reflect on how God’s plan to save the world began to unfold in the most unexpected way.

Maybe you are entering this holiday season with doubts or questions about who God is. I encourage you to look at the manger and take comfort in the fact that God is with you.

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.