The Christmas story is one that has been told millions of times down through the centuries. It is a story that will never grow old. However, it is more than just a story. The story of Jesus is not a fairy tale. It is an actual historical event. The events surrounding the birth of Christ actually happened. It is not just based on a true story, it is a true story. When I think of the account of the birth of Christ there is one word that comes to mind: Transformed. We find this word in various places in scripture but most notably in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The word transformed in scripture comes from the Greek word: metamorphoo. This is where we get our word: metamorphose. Here we have a picture of a caterpillar in its cocoon being changed into a beautiful butterfly. To be transformed is to be changed into a brand new creature. There are several people surrounding the birth of Christ that were transformed.

Mary was transformed. Imagine all that Mary went through as a result of her pregnancy and the birth of Jesus. Here she was just an ordinary young lady. She was engaged to be married. She had her whole life ahead of her. No doubt, she had great plans and dreams. She was full of youth, excitement, and joy. But then one day an angel appears to her and tells her that she is going to have a baby. She does not understand how this is possible because she was a virgin. As the angel explains to Mary how that the child in her is of the Holy Ghost, Mary willing submits to God’s plan. At this point, Mary’s life is completely changed. No longer is her first thought toward getting married and building a life with her husband. All of her thoughts and energy is focused on the birth of Jesus. It reminds me of the song, ‘Mary, did you know?’ Did Mary know that when she kissed her little baby that she kissed the face of God? Think about it. Her entire life was completely changed. She was truly transformed.

Joseph was transformed. When I think of Joseph, I almost feel sorry for the guy. Here he is minding his own business, working as a carpenter. He is engaged to a very beautiful young lady. He is making plans to build his own family and to establish himself in the community. He has great potential. Then he finds out his fiancé is pregnant. Imagine the initial shock. Imagine the thoughts that went through his head. He was very troubled by this, thinking that his fiancé has cheated on him. Then one night an angel appears to him in a dream. The angel tells him to not be afraid because Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit and not by a man. The angel tells Joseph that he is to proceed with his marriage to Mary and he will have the responsibility of raising this child who is the Son of God. Joseph’s life will never be the same again. He is completely changed. He is completely transformed.

The Shepherds were transformed. The shepherds were doing what they do. They were in the field watching over their flock. All of a sudden an angel appears and tells them that the Savior is born. They witness the heavenly choir singing praise to God. Imagine if you saw what the shepherds saw that night. How would it affect your life? The shepherds went to the stable and saw Jesus. They were one of the first to see Jesus, God in the flesh. They gazed upon the creator of the world laying as a baby in a manger. In verse 17 of Luke 2, we find the shepherds going all around and telling everyone about Jesus. They went from being simple shepherds to the greatest evangelists this world has ever seen. The shepherds were transformed.

The wise men were transformed. We find the historical account of the wise men in Matthew chapter 2. Tradition tells us that there were three wise men, but there could have been many more. These men traveled a long distance in order to see Jesus. They saw a star that signified the birth of a new king. They believed that this new king would indeed be the Savior of the world. They brought very expensive gifts to give to Jesus. When they saw Him, they bowed down before Him and worshiped Him. If someone would leave their homeland and travel for miles and miles on camels or on foot in order to see a baby in a manger, there must be something special about this birth. It completely changed the wise men. They were transformed.

We are transformed. The birth of Jesus not only changed the lives of those around Him, but it also changes our lives today. You and I are forever changed. We are transformed because of Jesus. There are three basic ways in which we are transformed. First of all, we are transformed by the grace of God. James 4:6 says, “But He gives more grace…” Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is God giving to us what we do not deserve. God has given grace to everyone. Think about it. It is only by the grace of God that you are here today. It is only by the grace of God that you can breathe and move. Even if you do not believe in Him, He is still giving you grace. You and I could not exist apart from the grace of God. God has extended His grace to everyone. It is by His grace that we are given the gift of Salvation. By God’s grace we are set free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and one day we will be forever free from the very presence of sin. This is all because of His grace given to all who would believe and trust in Him. Secondly, we are transformed by the power of God. Our God is an awesome and powerful God. He is the omnipotent One, He is all-powerful. If He has the power to speak the world into existence, if He has the power to become one of us, if He has the power to calm the raging storm, if He has the power to walk on the water, if He has the power to raise the dead, if He has the power to overcome death, you can rest assured that He has the power to change your life. Jesus can take a life in shambles and make it new. Jesus can take a sin cursed life headed for hell and set it free. By His power we are transformed! Finally, we are transformed by the Word of God. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” How is our minds renewed? Our mind is renewed through the Word of God. God’s Word has the power to make you new. God’s Word has the power to bring you life. God’s Word has the power to transform you into a new creation in Christ. This is why regular Bible study and prayer is so important. We are changed, we are made new through the Word of God. What about you? Are you renewing your mind through the study of God’s Word? Are you allowing God’s Word to transform you?

Jesus came to make all things new. He came to give you life. He came to change you. In order for that change to take place, in order for Jesus to transform your life, you must believe on Him. Do you believe?