A Tale of Transformation

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17

From “Bah Humbug!” to “God bless us, every one,” Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a tale of transformation. In this Christmas classic, Scrooge is transformed from a cold-hearted miser to a gracious benefactor. This change occurs as the result of his being visited by the spirits of the past, present and future. True transformation is always of the Spirit. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB) It is only by abiding in Jesus Christ that we are changed into His image. No matter how sincere, all our best efforts cannot bring lasting change. “Can’t you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do... It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life!” (Galatians 6:15, MSG) Paul described this simple but profound truth as a mystery; “The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.” (Colossians 1:27-28, MSG) This Christmas, may we be agents of transformation as we simply and joyously receive God’s present, Jesus Christ, and share Him with others. “Freely you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8, NASB) Grace to you, Steve