Tonight, my family attended our high school’s production of Beauty and the Beast. My daughters both attend the school and were both involved in the production in the ensemble cast. The cast and crew did a great job. I was impressed by the young cast. Quite a few of our congregation came to see the musical as well.

Several months ago, I posted on the movie “Cars” and the transformation that happens to young Lightning McQueen. As I see it Beauty and the Beast is also a story of transformation. I remember the first time we saw the movie version with Rebecca when she was 4 years old.

I loved the way the illustrators depicted the transformation after the beast died and the prince received new life. It’s one of my favorite parts of the movie. This seems to be a common thought in my thinking over the Lenten season. It is Christ who transforms us. We move from the old life to the new. As the song from Mercy Me goes, “So Long Self.” There isn’t room for two. Christ desires for us to be transformed into His image. This is my prayer for myself and for the congregation I shepherd.