An Invitation to Transformation: Finding Christ Within

When we seek Christ within ourselves, the transformation can be amazing. In order to do so, we must be willing to Be Still. As we were walking along the path to Lake Estes we came across the local herd. Watching them decide how to get on the golf course was interesting. Some chose to go to the opening after trying to jump. Others, like this Elk, decided to take the leap of faith.

This Advent season has truly been a Pilgrimage for me. As I have studied the passages from Isaiah and the Psalmist and as I have journeyed with Howard Thurman and Thomas Merton in my blog, it certainly has been a blessing. In the midst of the season’s busy-ness I have been able to find some moments of quiet and solitude. For those moments I am truly thankful.

Both Isaiah and the Psalmist are speaking to the hearts of a people who are in exile. They speak to hearts that are weary and wondering. They speak to hearts that are lonely and afraid. They speak to a people who seek inner as well as outer transformation. While the Isaiah passage speaks of God’s frustration with God’s people, Hope is offered.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. (Isaiah 7:14-15)

They had no clue how it was going to happen. They only knew that the one whom Isaiah foretold would be the instrument of transformation for the people walking in darkness.

Three times the Psalmist says: Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:3, 17, 19) Three times the Psalmist asks on behalf of the people to be saved. This concept of being saved is far more than the four spiritual steps and saying the sinners prayer. This salvation is so much more than that. This salvation is about the transformation of the individual and an entire people.

This transformation is a huge part of the call to serve the Lord. For once we find the Christ within, this gift is not one to be hoarded. It is a gift to be shared. This reminds me of a song written and recorded in in 1969 at the height of the anti-war movement. The song is One Tin Soldier. Here is the link for the video: The Original Cast – One Tin Soldier

The lyrics truly speak to and pierce my heart.

Listen people to a story

That was written long ago,

’bout a kingdom on a mountain

And the valley folks below.

On the mountain was a treasure

Hidden deep beneath a stone,

And the valley people swore

They’d have it for their very own.

So the people of the valley

Sent a message up the hill,

Asking for the buried treasure

Tons of gold for which they’d kill.

Came the answer from the kingdom,

With our brothers we will share,

All the riches of the mountain,

All the treasure buried there.

Now the valley cried with anger,

Mount your horses, draw your swords

And they killed the mountain people,

So they won their just rewards

Now they stood before the treasure

On the mountain dark and red

Turned the stone and looked beneath it

Peace on earth, was all it said.

Peace on earth, was all it said… that treasure of peace could have transformed the relationship between the Valley and the Mountain folk. As we continue the journey towards the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace dear reader, may we be open to that transformation. May we find Christ within us. A favorite line from the Northumbria Community’s Celtic Daily Prayer (Morning Prayer) speaks to this transformation.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Are you willing, dear reader, to allow such a transformation to occur within your heart and your life? Are you willing to see Christ within yourself and your neighbor? Can you imagine the transformation that could be possible?