Transforming Power

Year 5-Day 344: Today...I am grateful for transforming power. 

When the boys were little, Transformers were a hot item. Toys that change from bugs or cars into robots. Oh yes, they were a favorite. From something ordinary to extraordinary in a few twists and turns. Actually, it was more than a few and it amazed me how fast they could choose what they wanted it to be and make the transformation. On my own, those toys left me dazed and confused. In the right hands, they were not frustrating but fun. 

I wonder if all the fuss that goes into holiday decorating leaves some feeling like I felt with the boys toys? 
Although Christmas lights are one of my favorite decorations, they are not alone in making the transformation from dreary winter landscape and decor to festive, fun and fabulous. I like to tuck a little holiday into ordinary places. 

The transforming power of garland, Christmas florals, sequined ribbons, snow globes and thousands of tiny lights fills the season with a magic that never loses its wonder. From the most humble homes to the extravagant... using homespun popcorn and cranberry garland or exquisite floral designs... a little holiday makeover delights the soul. It makes us mindful that it is a special season. 

This season, I want to be mindful of the transforming power of Christmas. Not just in the decorating, but in seeking out the reason for the season. In the same way we transform our homes for the holidays, Christ longs to change our hearts for all of our days. 

Faith Hill sings "A Baby Changes Everything". It is a song that still gives me chills every time I pause to truly take in the truth it reveals. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fv7iPy8HcY 

The lyrics are so powerful.

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries!
And she cries!
Oh, she cries

Mary... young and innocent... asked by the God she loved and served to mother this miracle child. Joseph, a man of faith who had waited for the right girl. One who would and could be a true mate for him in faith, love and building a home. Finally, his dreams were coming true and then... it all came crashing down. A baby would change everything from ordinary to extraordinary. 

There would be whispers behind their backs, disbelief and shunning. Still, they said "yes" to the request to God's plan. Scholars say he was older than her. That was not unusual for the time and the culture. He needed time to mature and be ready for his role. He needed to be her strength and encourager. She offered him her trust and youthful wonder as they both played their roles in this miracle season. 

God became flesh and bone, and Joseph and Mary would be the ones to welcome and cradle the baby Jesus. Joseph as he aided in delivery and Mary as she took him to her chest and felt his heartbeat. The word "awesome" does not even truly magnify the moment... but it is the best word I find. Awe inspiring and glorious. 

Another piece of the lyrics that captures the moment. 

And she cries! ( in fear of the unknown )
And she cries! (in the pain of childbirth)
Oh, she cries (at the miracle baby in her arms)

A baby always changes how we see the world, when one is placed in our arms to love and nurture. And, it is normal to cry. From pain to happy tears in what seems like an eternity and a breath all at the same time. A baby changes everything. 

This season, the miracle of that night in Bethlehem is remembered. Our Lord and King longs for each of us to embrace the gift of the Christ-child. Born like us to live like us, but without sin, so that he could take away the sins of all who would choose to receive Him. That life changing grace is still available to all of us today. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. -Romans 12:2

A baby transformed a humble manger into a King's bed. That baby grew up in the ordinary way, with birthdays and siblings,learning his earthly father's carpentry trade. Then he transformed a cross of shame and death into a symbol of forgiveness and hope for all who repent, ask forgiveness and offer their lives as a gift. 

It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.-Galatians 6:15 

Today...I am grateful for transforming power.