The transforming power of Christmas story
 In a Christmas message, Norwich minister, Rev Matt Stone, reveals the transforming power of the Christian message.
Jesus and Satan are having an argument as to who is most computer-savvy, and they agree to hold a competition.
They sit themselves before their computers and they type documents, create spreadsheets, send emails, make PowerPoints, design websites until, suddenly, seconds before the end of the competition, a bolt of lightning strikes and the power goes out.
Moments later, the power is restored, and God announces that the contest is over. God asks Satan to show what he has come up with. Satan indignantly protests, "I have nothing! I've lost it all!"
"Very well, then," says God, "let us see if Jesus fared any better." Jesus enters a command and the screen comes to life with a vivid display, the voices of an angelic choir pour forth from the speakers.
Satan is astonished. He stutters, "B-b-but how? I lost everything, yet Jesus' work is intact! How did he do it?"
God chuckles, "Satan, when are you going to learn... Jesus saves!"
 In the busyness of Christmas, we can forget that the heart of our celebration is God wanting to transform the world... starting with you and me.
Throughout the Bible, God promises transformation, as the prophets of old give their 'I have a dream' speeches. In communities, disputes would be settled; crime and fear would be no more.
As individuals, we would be saved from ourselves and our destructive tendencies, and we would know God's joy and love in abundance.
It's exciting stuff and, as Christians, we believe that this transformation has already started... beginning with God becoming man and being born to a teenage girl in a dirty stable 2010 years ago.
That little baby came to announce that the new kingdom was here, breaking into the lives of those who would follow him.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
This Christmas, may we look to Jesus, and may we be transformed – for our sake and for the sake of the world.
Rev Matt Stone is a Minister in the Norwich Area United Reformed Churches
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