December 10
Colossians 1:15–20
15 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross."
Unity in Christ
by Lily Davis
For in Christ, "all things were created through Him and for Him." This profound truth anchors my faith and continuously renews my hope as I serve as Student Body President at Baylor University. In this role, I have the privilege of engaging with our diverse and vibrant community, which includes aspiring pre-med students, talented musicians, passionate athletes, and dedicated members of various organizations. Witnessing the unique ways in which the Body of Christ manifests among us is both inspiring and humbling.
However, I often grapple with the challenges posed by our differences. How can I, as a representative of such a vast and varied student body, truly embody the collective student perspective? In moments of insecurity and doubt, I turn to the theological promise found in Colossians 1:15-20. This passage reminds me that the key to our unity lies in the sanctifying power of Christ. By dying for all, He was also born for all, and in the hope of Advent, we are assured that He will not allow our community to fall toward division.
Christ's sacrifice on the cross embodies a profound call to unity. It does not downplay our divisions; instead, it offers a transformative framework for understanding them. The cross serves as both the pen that writes our shared story and the needle that mends our wounds. As we navigate our differences, we are reminded that it is through Christ’s love and grace that we can find common ground and work toward reconciliation.
Advent, then, is not just a season of anticipation; it is a profound call to live in hope, embracing the fullness of our diversity while honoring the unity we find in Christ. This understanding compels me to lead with humility and compassion, striving to create a space where all voices are heard and valued. My faith informs my work by encouraging me to see each interaction as an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, to foster dialogue, and to promote understanding among my peers.
In this role, I am committed to upholding the idea that every member of our community contributes to the rich tapestry of our university. The wounds we carry and the differences we hold are not barriers but rather unique threads that, when woven together through Christ, create a more vibrant and resilient community. Through this lens, I am continually reminded that we are called not only to recognize our diversity but to celebrate it, holding fast to the hope that binds us together in Christ.
Praise be to Christ, our testament for hope, our call for unity, and our inspiration for love.
About the Author
Lily Davis
Lily Davis, of Aurora, Colo., serves as the 2024-2025 Student Body President at Baylor University. She is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Religion on the Pre-Law track and has been a dedicated member of the Student Government throughout her undergraduate years. Her roles as a Senator, Chaplain, Public Relations Chair, and External Vice President reflect her deep commitment to serving the student community.
In her studies, Davis has a passion for understanding the foundations of government and the intersection of religious theology and modern society with a special emphasis on the study of women in evangelism, western political philosophy, and ethics. Her future plans include attending law school and pursuing a master's of theology.