The Preeminence of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God
     the firstborn of all creation.

For by him all things were created
     in heaven and on earth
     visible and invisible
     whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities

ALL THINGS were created through him and for him.

And he is before all things
      and in him all things hold together.

He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning
     the firstborn from the dead
           that in everything he might be preeminent.

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
     and through him to reconcile to himself all things 
          whether on earth or in heaven

making peace by the blood of his cross.