The Colossian Hymn

For whatever reason I've always focused on the Philippians' "Christ Hymn" when I've thought of the earliest non-Psalm Christian music, but perhaps Colossians 1:15-20 is equally rich. Here is my attempt at making something new out of the text. I'm not entirely pleased with the 3rd verse yet, but here is an initial draft. Enjoy

Refrain:

All in Christ, all through Christ, all for Christ.

Firstborn of Creation, First of the Resurrection,

Reconciliation born in him.

 

Verse 1:

Christ is the invisible made visible;

That is, God in sandals.

Impersonal cosmic forces,

Humans and their horses,

Call him Sibling and Sustainer,

Call him Mirror and Container.

 

Verse 2:

Christ is life before life ever was

All held together by his generous love.

Come out of those graves!

Tell the whole world that he saves!

We are his body, he is the head.

A new beginning, life from the dead!

 

Verse 3:

Christ is where we all fully meet,

Seated together at the Father’s feet.

He is the reconciliation of all things;

“Peace” all our voice as one rings!

Wait! God took it as an honest sacrifice?

Blood and cross became peace and paradise!