The Image of Christ

So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them.  Genesis 1:27   

      God created us in His image. We were created to walk in unity with Him. That God-like image was tarnished, long ago, in the beginning. Man wanted to be like God. Pride played a big part in those decisions to turn from Him and pride stills plays a huge part in our humanity, doesn’t it? We think we can do it on our own. We pass off the little white lies, gossip without blinking an eye, cheat a bit here and there, look at the things we should not, disrespect our parents. The list goes on. Sin. It’s all around us. It is in us.

     And the God of creation, the perfect God, the Holy One, righteous and true, instead of disregarding us and leaving us to our own evil desires, humbles Himself and makes Himself one of us. There is no tarnish on Him. He is without sin. The perfect Lamb.

     Astounding. Amazing. Awe-inspring. When we believe and that is all He asks, He begins to polish up our tarnished hearts. He painstakingly changes us. Our hearts become three sizes bigger! He actually uses our tarnished image to show His glory. He works in our weaknesses to show His strength. He brings out that shine in us little by little through the tough, but necessary, buffing process.

     And the image of Christ begins to show through us. We change the subject. We turn from the dark images. We forgive. We respect. His image becomes like a mirror. His reflection makes us brighter. His was a miraculous birth. And your new birth is a miraculous one, too. Born again, through His Spirit. The tarnished ones become filled with a golden polish that glows.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

     His truth and grace are there for the asking. Accept the gift of the Christ. The gift of Christmas. The light of the world. Those rough edges are ready for the Master’s hand.

Dear Lord,

You became our servant, the Lamb to be sacrificed. Teach us how to serve You. Mold us. Shape us into Your image.

In Jesus name,

Amen