BY DON C. SCHNEIDER

mask? Yes, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus we realize that Jesus did put on a mask . . . an entire disguise, in fact. When He came to earth, He hid His divinity in the garments of a person. He came to live among us, to be one of us. He came to reveal what God is really like. He came to show us how we can be like God. What a revelation it was! Jesus' words and ministry were so different from the traditions and dealings of the leaders and the people.

How would God respond to the poor? the sick? those who were pushed aside? After Jesus walked through a town or village, people knew the answers to those questions. His life was a constant and consistent reminder of the transforming power of divine love. Not only were people taught, healed, and restored; they were then made agents of God's love to those they encountered.

When we celebrate Jesus' clothing Himself with humanity, we're also celebrating the way He transforms our lives when we ask His Spirit to live in us. And in this way, cannot God use us to reflect His character, just as Jesus did when He was on earth?

Remember when Jesus healed the poor man possessed by evil spirits? After the man had been restored, the Bible says, he begged to go with Jesus. But Jesus told him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you" (Luke 8:39, NIV). We can be fairly certain that it wasn't just the man's words that had an effect on his family and friends. His changed life was also a testimony to God's transforming power.

So I ask myself, "What would happen if Jesus wore a mask today so that no one could tell it was Him? What if that mask looked like me? And then what if He put on that mask some morning, made Himself just my size, put on my suit, and came to work in my place?"

At the beginning of the day, just by looking, no one would be able to tell it was not me. They would not even know the difference. How long, I wonder, would it be before someone would say, "What's happened to Don? He's so much more thoughtful than usual." Or they might say, "Since when did he start being so kind to people?" Would people in the cafeteria notice the difference in our casual contacts? Those with whom I disagree would be quick to notice the difference, I think. And as folks left my office, would they stop at my secretary's desk to say, "He sure has changed! For once he's having a good day"?

It would be interesting to see what things would be important that day. I think that more than ever the discussion would be on how to tell people that Jesus can change lives, and that He is coming again to take us to be with Him. Some things would not even come up. Would gossip be shared? Would hurtful jokes be told?

At the day's end He would drive my car home and walk into our house. How long would it be before my wife would say, "You're so nice today! Has something unusual happened to you?"

Do you know what I would really like? I would be pleased if no one would be able to tell the difference, because I would have already been acting like Jesus. In fact, why should there be any difference? I want to be like Jesus. He has promised to live His life in me if I invite Him to be in charge. He has promised that, if I ask, He will harness my tongue and make me sensitive to opportunities throughout the day to reflect God's character both in word and deed.

That's why I pray: "Dear Jesus, please fill me up so much today with Your Spirit that no one can even tell the difference between You and me. Let Your love, joy, and peace; Your patience, kindness, and meekness; let them all shine through me every moment, every day!"

_________________________
Don C. Schneider is president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.