Christmas Changes Everything

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Look around you and notice the changes that have happened in the last week! Advent has been assembled, garland wraps the front columns, Christmas trees decorate the front of the chapel. I’m sure that your homes are being decorated as well in preparation of celebrations of the birth of Christ.

Since we had all of the families together this past week, we decided to celebrate Christmas before Brittni, Austin, Joshua, and Judah had to return to Albuquerque. We had a dinner and then exchanged gifts. Before the first gift was opened, Judah said, “Aren’t we gonna read the verses?” By “the verses” he meant the Christmas story. These are the verses he meant:

Luke 2:1–21 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Mary, Joseph, shepherds, lives are changed…We learn also of shepherds, priests, prophets, and kings who are changed. Later, one by one the disciples are changed, temples, crowds, sick and even the dead are changed. You and I gather today because we are changed.

Colossians 1:15–17 NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

This passage speaks of Christ ---of course, Christmas Changes Everything. Christ is Christmas!

Christ Continues to Change the World

As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of a simple but profound truth: Christ’s birth changed the world forever. From the stable in Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary, Jesus brought transformation to every aspect of life. His arrival was not just an event in history—it was the start of a revolution in the spiritual, personal, and communal life of humanity. This morning, let us reflect on how Christ truly changes everything.

Christ Changes Our Identity

Galatians 4:4–7 NIV

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

When Christ was born, He came to restore our broken relationship with God. Through Him, we are no longer defined by our sins, failures, or past. We are adopted as children of God.

We move from being orphans in sin to being heirs of God's kingdom.

The baby in the manger reminds us that our worth is not in what we do but in who we belong to—God's family.

Christ Changes Our Purpose

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Christ’s birth gave humanity a new mission: to share the good news of His love, grace, and salvation. Before Christ, people lived for themselves; now, we live for God’s glory and the benefit of others. The shepherds and wise men remind us to carry the light of Christ into a dark world, spreading the joy of salvation.

Christ Changes Our Hope

Romans 8:18–19 NIV

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

Because of Christ, our understanding of the world is reframed. We are surrounded by despair; the birth of Christ gives us a living hope. His resurrection assures us of the truth and power of His words. His position at the right hand of the Father confirms His steady hand on the heavens and earth. His Spirit in our hearts comforts us and secures us in His presence.

We move from hopelessness to a confident expectation of God’s promises being fulfilled.

Just as the star guided the wise men, Jesus guides us with the promise of eternal life.

Christ Changes Our Relationships

John 13:34–35 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

When Christ enters our lives, He changes how we treat others. Love, forgiveness, and unity replace division, bitterness, and selfishness. Christ empowers us to love even our enemies and to build communities centered on grace. The story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus highlights the importance of trusting God and loving others, even in difficult circumstances.

The message of Christmas is not just about the birth of a Savior—it’s about the transformation He brings to those who believe. Christ doesn’t just change some things; He changes everything.

Christ Can Change YOU!

This is the thing that the Lord has really placed on my heart this year. Christ…Can…Change…Me (You)! To help us grasp this idea, we’ll draw from Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, a man consumed by greed, hurt, and bitterness, undergoes a profound transformation.

I’m fascinated with the picture of Scrooge on Christmas morning, he wakes up on Christmas morning with a new heart, filled with joy, love, and generosity. This is the power of true change—a complete renewal of the heart and mind. But…is this just the power of a great writer? The power of a good story?

I think that Scrooge’s story parallels the work Christ does in the human heart when we allow Him to take control. Alongside this, we’ll explore the Scriptures to see how Christ's love and truth bring about lasting change.

The Condition of the Human Heart Without Christ

In the opening of *A Christmas Carol*, Scrooge is described as “tight-fisted,” “hard and sharp as flint,” and “solitary as an oyster.” His heart is closed off to love, compassion, and joy. This depiction reminds us of the human heart without Christ.

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Like Scrooge, a life apart from God is characterized by selfishness, bitterness, and a lack of true purpose.

Scrooge’s obsession with wealth blinds him to the needs of others. How often do we, too, prioritize things of the world—possessions, success, or comfort—over the relationships and spiritual truths that truly matter? Without Christ, we live in spiritual poverty, no matter how much we accumulate materially.

The Awakening to One’s Need for Change

Scrooge’s journey begins when he is confronted by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, bound in heavy chains forged by his selfishness in life, warns Scrooge of the consequences of his ways. Similarly, we need a moment of realization—a wake-up call—that brings us face-to-face with our need for change.

Romans 3:23 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Like Scrooge, we must recognize our sinful state and the chains we bear because of our choices. These chains, however, are not meant to define us forever.

The three spirits—of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—force Scrooge to see the truth about himself. The Spirit of Christmas Past shows him the joy and love he once knew but has since abandoned. The Spirit of Christmas Present reveals the suffering of others and his failure to care. Finally, the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come confronts him with the stark reality of his fate if he continues on his current path.

Similarly, the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin. This conviction is not meant to condemn us but to lead us to repentance.

The Transforming Power of Christ

Scrooge’s transformation begins when he confronts his own mortality and realizes the emptiness of his life. But the story doesn’t end there. He wakes up on Christmas morning with a new heart, filled with joy, love, and generosity. This is the power of true change—a complete renewal of the heart and mind.

The transformation we see in Scrooge mirrors the radical change Christ brings when we surrender to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Through Christ, the chains of sin are broken, and we are set free to live a life of purpose, love, and service. Scrooge becomes a man who gives generously, cares deeply for others, and lives with gratitude. This is the fruit of a transformed heart—a reflection of the change Christ produces in us.

In Christ, we are given the ability to love as He loves.

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Change Shouldn’t Leave You the Same

Scrooge’s story ends with his actions. He doesn’t just feel sorry for his past or resolve to do better—he lives out his change. He provides for the Cratchit family, reconciles with his nephew, and becomes a man known for his generosity and kindness.

Likewise, our transformation in Christ should be evident in how we live.

James 2:17 NIV

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

True faith leads to action—serving others, forgiving those who have wronged us, and living with joy and hope.

Christmas is the perfect time to live out this transformation. It’s a season of giving, loving, and reflecting the light of Christ to those around us. How can we, like Scrooge, wake up each day determined to live differently because of what Christ has done in us?

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the miraculous transformation Christ offers to each of us. Scrooge’s story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. Christ came to seek and save the lost, to transform hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

If you have not yet experienced the transforming power of Christ, this Christmas can be the beginning of your journey. Like Scrooge, allow yourself to see the truth, confront your need for a Savior, and embrace the gift of grace Christ offers.

For those of us who already know Christ, let this be a season to renew our commitment to living out His love and sharing His light with the world.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, who came to bring hope, love, and transformation. This Christmas, awaken our hearts to Your truth. Help us to live as people transformed by Your grace, reflecting Your love in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*