After his opening remarks, Paul immediately focuses on the work of God in Christ: 

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           For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-14).

Then follows a condensed Christological "hymn" affirming the deity of Jesus:

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           He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth (Col 1:15-16).

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           This is similar to the opening of John's Gospel:

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           He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him (Jn 1:10).

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           Not only does Jesus rule over all creation, but he is also the head of the church.  All the fullness of God dwells in him (-- this is extraordinary language!), and through his death he reconciles creation to the Father.

Paul then personalizes the work of Christ -- the Colossians themselves have been made holy before God and are without blemish, if they continue to believe and obey the gospel.