Monday, December 11

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Who among us hasn’t written a list of New Year’s resolutions, hoping for transformation into an improved version of yourself? Fortunately, the real work and transformation in our lives is already underway, as we read in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and as we witness throughout the Bible. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us through subtle transformation, and at other times a transformation that is magnificent and dramatic. So dramatic at times that names are changed to mark the transformation, such as Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel and Saul to Paul. Then there is Mary, who was in anticipation of a new life stage, about to marry. However, she was likely not seeking unimaginable transformation, as she certainly experienced in becoming the mother of the Son of God.

Advent is a time of preparation and expectancy. During Advent, consider those who received divine transformation in the Bible. We learn from them to expect transformation, whether seeking it or not. Be open to God’s transformational work in your life, and you may end up like Mary—going peacefully in one direction until the Lord uproots your plans and blesses you more richly than you could ever imagine.