my wish

If I could wish for anything for you in the coming year, it would not be a wish of success, wealth, or prosperity. While I certainly hope those things will manifest in your life in 2011, my wish for you is more basic.


In many ways, our life can be likened to a large building – if the foundation is properly built, then the building should endure. On the other hand, a poorly built foundation dooms even the best of construction. Success, wealth, or prosperity can exist for a time if built on a deficient foundation. Eventually, however, the insufficient foundation will no longer support the weight of these things.

Perhaps the most basic of foundational building blocks is found in Paul’s words to the churches in Galatia. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you… Christ formed in you – now that is my wish for you. Christ formed in you – that will fundamentally transform your life.

Christ formed in you – What can you and I expect as a result of His formation in us? If we read the Gospel accounts, we quickly discover the ramifications of Him in us. We will manifest His characteristics. We can expect the same reactions from the same types of people. As He becomes formed more fully in us, we no longer strive to be Christ-like. His formation in us transforms us from glory to glory.

As Christ is formed in us, the Word still becomes flesh. As Christ is formed in us, Emanuel, “God with us” becomes evident to the world. May Christ be more fully formed in you in the coming year!