- photo by Susan PageJesus came and his coming transformed our world!

We do not have to look too deeply into the Christmas story to be dazzled by the transformational message of Christ’s coming to save humanity. Mary and Joseph’s reactions alone carry deep lessons on what it might mean to have our minds renewed and transformed.

Mary was told that she would become pregnant when the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. Mary not only believed but by faith, she praised God with these words, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour … for He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name” (Luke 1: 47,48).

These words were transforming!

Mary lived with her mind focused on the eternal rather than on the unbelievable circumstance that she, a young virgin, would give birth to the Saviour of the world. Her entire world turned upside down, yet she focused on her faith in the message of the Gospel.

Joseph could have become very bitter when he heard the shocking news that his betrothed was pregnant. Yet by faith, believing the dream he had received from the Lord, he took his wife but knew her not until she had given birth. His actions displayed transformational behaviour based on his belief in the message he had received. Joseph trusted God and did not conform to the world’s opinion or standards. He honoured both God and his betrothed.

There is a transformational wonder and excitement which spills off the pages of Scripture if we take the time to reflect as we read its pages.

Feast on these words, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37) and “Fear not, for behold, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

This is the transformational Good News of the Gospel and, amazingly, Jesus came for all who would believe in this message!

During this Advent season, as we take the time to rest and reflect on Christ’s coming into this world as a baby, may we realize how deeply valued and loved we truly are. Jesus sacrificed everything so that we might be new creations in Him. We should be deeply thankful for this Christmas gift of Christ, Emmanuel, who is God with us.

May our hearts and minds be completely transformed this Christmas season with the miraculous message of the Gospel.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

 Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.