Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World

by Elisa Morgan

Christmas changes everything—the course of history and the course of our lives.
 
Nowhere is this more evident than in the stories of the men and women who experienced the first Christmas. From Zechariah’s encounter with an angel in the temple to the Magi who traveled to a village in the Judean wilderness, Christmas influenced who they were, who they would become, and how they would live out their faith—or leave it behind.
 
As beloved author Elisa Morgan explores how God coming to earth as a human child transformed each of the biblical characters who experienced it firsthand, she reveals how the lessons of the first Christmas can change us today. We learn to say yes to God, accepting His design for our lives. We learn to rejoice, even when we don't understand His ways. And we learn to hope expectantly, confident that He will fulfill all His promises to us. Let this Christmas change you!
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas, Christian, Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Elisa Morgan was named by Christianity Today as one of the top 50 women influencing today's church and culture, and she's a sought-after author, speaker, and leader. She has authored more than 25 books on mothering, spiritual formation, and evangelism, including The Beauty of Broken, Hello, Beauty Full, She Did What She Could, and The NIV Mom's Devotional Bible.

For 20 years, Elisa served as the CEO of MOPS International (www.mops.org). Under her leadership, MOPS grew from 350 groups to more than 4,000 groups throughout the United States and in 30 other countries, influencing more than 100,000 moms every year. Elisa now serves as president emerita of MOPS.

Elisa received a BS from the University of Texas and an MDiv from Denver Seminary. She served as the dean of women at Western Bible College (now Colorado Christian University) and on the board of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Currently she serves on the board of Denver Seminary.

Elisa is a cohost of the syndicated radio program Discover the Word (www.discovertheword.org), a daily 15-minute real-time conversation around the living Word of God. She is married to Evan (the senior vice president of global ministry efforts for Our Daily Bread Ministries) and has two grown children and two grandchildren who live near her in Denver, Colorado. Wilson and Darla, her two rottweilers, take her on walks in the open space behind her house.

Connect with Elisa at www.elisamorgan.com. You can sign up for her blog, Really, at her website or by texting the word REALLY to 22828.

You can keep in touch with Elisa in the following ways:

Instagram: Elisa Morgan, Author
Facebook: Elisa Morgan, Author
Twitter: @elisa­_morgan

Reviews

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Changes Everything by Elisa Morgan examines the different characters in the Christmas story and how we can relate the lessons they learned to our own lives.

I enjoyed this book. The analysis of the Christmas story was presented in an easy to digest format. The anecdotes from the author's life were charming, poignant, and helped me better understand how to apply the lessons of the Christmas story into my life.

I felt like I had heard all of the analysis of the Christmas story included in this book before, but it is still always important to get a review of this important story. I would have preferred if the author had chosen to include quotes from the KJV Bible (in lieu of the NIV Bible), since I find the KJV Bible to use more precise diction.

I would highly recommend this quick, easy, engaging read to any person wanting to draw closer to their Savior this Christmas season!

I received a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished, Christmas Changes Everything by Elisa Morgan and I’m giving it a 5⭐️. And I’ll just tell you honestly that I’ve had a terrible time finding Christ centered Christmas reading. My husband and I usually do an Advent study every year but in general that’s all we’ve found.
So I was grateful to find this for Christmas.
About the book, the author brings to light some main characters of the Bible and shares their Christmas experiences. It’s done in an expository way with the full scripture shared on the page. It was relatable and caused me to identify with my relationship with God. I asked myself, what’s my role in all this? Each chapter ended with a change point. A healthy question to seriously ponder.
I thought the book helpful and comforting. If you love expository teaching then you’ll love this one. I highly recommend it for the CHRISTmas season.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Advent book I used in a Bible Study. The author introduces us to the characters of the Christmas story. She gives background info and tells how each one was changed by Christmas. We too can be changed if we allow it. Seek Jesus at Christmas, but seek Him daily!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the author tells about how the first Christmas changed people in amazing ways. They are examples for us to follow (and one is a negative example for us not to follow). I appreciated the organized way she explained how Christmas changed these people who are so familiar to us, and I learned new things from her in this book. I enjoyed her own personal stories in the book too.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. If you don’t know much about the Bible and it’s stories and characters Elisa Morgan goes to the lengths needed to inform you. There’s back stories for each of the characters. If you do know the stories, then this book might be a little too simple for you. Either way there are some reflective questions and I will go back from time to time and reread them.

[Lisa Pickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read during Advent!

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas changes everything - also for you?
According to Christianity Today Elisa Morgan is one of the top 50 women influencing today's church and culture. She is also a speaker and author of multiple books. She presents her book entitled "Christmas Changes Everything. How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World", published by Our Daily Bread Publishing. The book contains ten chapters where Morgan shows how Christmas changed some of the main characters that are known though the Christmas story of the Bible. In the introduction she engages her readers with the following statement: "When did Christmas become Christmas for you? When did it shift into more than Santa and stockings and presents? When did it convert into more than choirs and candles and carolers? When did Christmas morph into more than family? Perhaps you’re still on the edge of Christmas, wondering about its real meaning, longing for more than the window dressing offered in our world. When Christmas becomes Christmas, it changes everything! In the pages to follow, we’ll look at the central figures portrayed in the Christmas story in Scripture and discover how Christmas became Christmas to each . . . and how that discovery changed everything in their lives." Her wish is "May this be a Christmas when you both explore and receive the true change—the metamorphosis—of Christmas in your heart, in your home, and in your world!" (In Introduction).
This was the second book by this author which I read. I really appreciated her honest talk about her personal childhood experiences with Christmas. I also liked the fact that she presents the whole Bible text where a particular character is presented previous to the chapter where this character is discussed and it is shown how Christmas changed this character. She closes the chapters with "Change Point" - a question to the readers that challenges their reflection. There are also notes at the end of the book that help with further research and reflection. I highly recommend the book to readers who are open to reflect over Christmas, readers who do not want to live Christmas as a "Christian holiday" but who want to also be changed by Christmas.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ChristmasChangesEverything #Netgalley

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 10 day devotional that looks at how the events around Jesus’s arrival on Earth changed everything for 9 individuals/groups of people and how Christmas should change us in similar ways. Each chapter starts with a reading of Scripture about the person/group and then Morgan shares a relevant Christmas story from her own life, points out truths about the person/group that can be gleaned from the Scripture, how Christmas changed them, and application for us. The people/groups that are looked at are: Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zecharaiah, the shepherds, Anna, Simeon, the Magi, and Herod.

This is exceptionally readable, but Morgan brings her seminary training into each one with the factual points about each person (including any relevant historical background) and provides a bite size devotional that has depth, feels relatable, and will likely have you pondering some people in the Scriptures in new ways. I appreciated her vulnerability and openness in sharing personal stories of Christmases past, even ones where she messed up. I really appreciated the way she recapped the lessons from each of the chapters in the final one, and provided a challenge in the epilogue to not let Christmas stop affecting you after Dec 25. I tore through this so I could get it on the shelves before December for others (hazards of a librarian’s life) but I can see it being a good countdown to Christmas read starting on Dec 15 or so.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: She kind of clinically states in Zecharaiah’s chapter that he went home form his priestly assignment and got his wife pregnant.
Violence: Herod ordering the killing of toddlers and babies around Bethlehem is mentioned.
Ethnic diversity: Most characters are ancient Jewish Israelites with some other Middle Eastern visitors.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Herod’s chapter talks about his fragile mental state according to historians of the time. Morgan shares how she and her husband knew they would need to adopt since he was a cancer survivor but they waited a long time for their turn at adoption.

[Susan Mather Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Elisa Morgan's content before in Our Daily Bread (ODB) Ministries devotionals, so when I saw this Christmas book, I requested the ARC. She focused on some of the people mentioned in the first Christmas story and how that first Christmas impacted the lives of Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the Magi, and Herod. She tells a personal story, or shares someone else’s story, and then moves into the Bible story about each person. The scriptures are in full in this book, something I've come to appreciate about the ODB devotionals.

I like the historical details Elisa presented the most. She noted that the angel Gabriel whose name means “hero of God” and “mighty one of God” is named in this account of Jesus’ birth several times. He first announced the birth of John and the coming Messiah to Zechariah, and then he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary. Before this account, Gabriel had appeared to Daniel twice.

I knew Mary, the mother of Jesus, could have been between 12 and 13 years old. I didn’t know that in Jewish culture back then marriages were arranged at birth. Joseph would have been 18, “the average age of betrothal for men.” Mary and Joseph were chosen because of their right-standing with God. Joseph also was part of David’s line, which fulfilled prophecy. Elisa said Mary would have been troubled about a virgin birth, yes, and the fact that betrothal meant the same as marriage does today. The penalties were severe. A person could have a nose cut off, an ear, or be stoned to death. But She also would have known that pregnancy could become dangerous. Babies often didn’t live past the first month. Fifty percent of children didn’t live past age 5.

Elisa employs a “sermon style” of writing. She starts with who each of these people were and then moves on to how that first Christmas impacted their lives. She starts with “Who was Mary?” “Who was Joseph?” “Who was Zechariah?” Her answers act as bullet points. She finishes each section with how Christmas changed that person, for better or worse, and what we as readers can learn from the study of this scriptural account. I did note some repetition of ideas that would make this a better audio book, or a book to be read aloud. Elisa ends with questions for the reader to answer. Those would make good journal prompts.

Elisa’s devotional is easy to read. I have learned new historical details I didn’t know before, so I recommend reading this book during the season…or any time you want to learn about Jesus’ birth. Thank you to Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review of this book.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God's death and resurrection at Easter transported me back in His story to a new understanding of God's birth in a manger. Christmas became Christmas when I realized the true gift: God came as a bay who would grow up and live and die and be raised from the dead for me. I responded with a heartfelt yes! A yes that became an offering of my own gifts to others at Christmas out of my love for Him."
The cast of characters portrayed in this book are not surprising. Most who have read through the chapters in Matthew and Luke that tell about Jesus' birth will recognize these names. Two of them (Zechariah and Elizabeth) provide the prequel. Two of them (Anna and Simeon) follow in Luke. All of these real-life people were impacted by the birth of Christ.
Mary
Joseph
Zechariah
Elizabeth
The Shepherds
Simeon
Anna
The Magi
Herod
This book does contain a portrayal of the story that started Christmas. Bible passages are included. Each section includes a devotional as well as an explanation about how each person was changed by Christmas. I feel like the author did an excellent job of adding understanding into familiar stories. Even though I have ready the selected passages hundreds of times, I still pondered new ideas.
I liked the fact that she ended the book with a chapter entitled, "our stories." We also have the opportunity to be impacted by the event that happened over 2,000 years ago. Our paths can also be changed by Christmas.
As for the author, I became a fan of Elisa Morgan's writings when I was introduced to her through MOPS where she was CEO for a time. As a mother of a preschoolers, her thoughts on parenting encouraged me. So I love the fact that she has continued to write. I want to read more of her titles.
I read this book through NetGalley. I wanted to read it. All opinions are my own.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the format of this book. It introduced a lot of biblical stories in an interesting, relatable way. The author did a good job of providing just enough personal information to ground the book in the modern world while still focusing primarily on imparting biblical wisdom. I especially liked the chapter on Zechariah and the author’s recognition of the human tendency to simultaneously pray to God while still doubting his faithfulness.

However, I definitely think this book is meant more for Christians who are new to the faith or haven’t read the Bible much, rather than for those who are very familiar with Bible stories. There wasn’t anything particularly new or unique about the book. I’m especially not a fan of the large chunks of Bible verses that were included. It always seems like cheating to me when authors pad their books with writings from other texts, rather than just referring the reader to the other work (i.e. the Bible, in this case). The writing style was also a bit too silly/childish/over-the-top for my taste.

Overall, this was a decent Christian book with some Christmas theming. I recommend it to those who are looking to learn more about the Christian faith.

*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all! Christmas Changes Everything, How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World by Elisa Morgan. First of all, it is scripture based, which is great and truth. However, some may think that it will be dry, far from that. Instead, it is so very readable. In fact, it is a book that makes you think. It happened so easily that I began to put myself in place of the one studied in each chapter.

Looking closely at different people who were part of that first Christmas helped me to identify with each one, even Herod. He could have had and been so much more. A warning to me not just at Christmas but in my everyday faith. I especially like the question at the beginning of the chapter and the change point at the end. This is not an advent reading. No, it is so much more.

I have found that I can count on Our Daily Bread to always publishes quality books that are Biblical based. Christmas Changes Everything is truly one more excellent addition to their legacy.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World by Elisa Morgan! Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World is a devotional that explores the main characters of the Christmas—from Mary to King Herod—and how Christmas changed for them—good or bad. I loved how Ms. Morgan explored each character individually and the points that were brought out. I also love the personal stories Ms. Morgan shared. Her writing paired Biblical and life applications together beautifully. I used Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World as part of my personal devotion time and it helped me get into the Christmas Spirit and I learned things about the Christmas Story I never noticed before. I highly recommend Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World and believe that it will help you focus on the Reason for the Season. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

[Evalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmastime often has a certain “rush” about it. Between the activities and preparing for the gift-giving, people can often lose sight of its true meaning—even if some of the activities are around the true meaning.

This author takes the reader on a journey to restore perspective by not only examining the the various characters involved in the first Christmas, but by also sharing modern-day accounts to which readers may relate. Added to that is a section called “Change Point” at the end of each chapter that allows the reader and any others to reflect personally.

This book is excellent for both personal and group devotions and reflection. It would also make a great gift. Whoever reads this book may find themselves reflecting on characters they would not usually think about when discussing the first Christmas.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book before Christmas, taking my time to savor all the insights. The Scripture relating Christ's birth were presented, along with the historical context and the author's related experiences and questions for the reader. Accept, like Mary. Worship, like Anna. One of the most original insights was how King Harod refused to let Christ's birth change him. This man just pretended to be interested in learning of the Baby's birth, supposedly to worship Him, too, as he told the Wise Men. Instead, he had all baby boys under 2 years of age killed in the area. This book draws attention to the importance of Christmas in the place in history but deeper, into the lives of Christ-followers, as well as the readers' lives. '"Christmas Isn't Over'" so this book is appropriate to read all year, not limited to Christmas!
I was able to read this from the publishers and NetGalley, and appreciate it. My opinions are my own.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it ever too early to think about Christmas? I think not. :D LOL!

This release from Elisa Morgan absolutely gets me in the Christmas spirit--in the best way. I love how it focuses on each of the main characters in and around the traditional story...but also takes it to the next level, examining who they are, their characteristics, and even some of the original Greek language or history of the day/era.

I'll be curious with the final release whether there's any inner artwork included; the eARC was, to put it plainly (no pun intended) ... sparse. :D Simple presentation that surprised me a bit, with just the text included. But, sometimes that's just as well, allowing me to focus on the text without distraction--something I can always use in/around the Christmas season.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Christmas Changes Everything, author Elisa Morgan looks at all of the individual key players in the first Christmas, showing the tremendous upheaval and impact of the event on their lives. She also discusses others during the course of Jesus' life whose faith allowed them to immediately recognize him as the savior and redeemer they had been awaiting. The characteristics of these people and their faith are worthy of emulation to experience the power of Christmas; what it meant when it happened, and what it still means for us today.

My thanks to Our Daily Bread Publishing for permitting me to read an ARC of the book via NetGalley. Publication is scheduled for 10/4/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are given freely.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Elisa Morgan takes an in-depth look at the characters from the Christmas story and how the birth of a Savior changed them and how it can change us too. This is a delightful little book that’s well-written and one that helped me to better understand what actually took place on the silent night over two thousand years ago. It enabled me to see firsthand how the birth of Jesus has impacted the lives of so many, including my own. If you’re looking for a book to help put you in the Christmas spirit, look no further.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book with so many enligntening thoughts on how Christ's birth has affected our lives and all of civilization as a whole. I think the part I liked the best was getting to know Mother Mary and her feelings/emotions better. So much emphasis is placed on her Son, that we probably don't give her enough thought. I do wonder often how much she suffered having to watch His pain on the cross but haven't given that much time to how the pregnancy and birth affected her. Everyone should read this!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World by Elisa Morgan is a lovely book that really brings perspective. This book is so much for than just another advent book. Here, the author carefully examines the historical lives Jesus touched and how he changed everything for them. Then, she looks at how He changes our lives similarly. And Christmas doesn’t just end— this impact is lasting. This is a book to read again and again. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I am really bummed out. I really wanted to finish this book and maybe I will but it was not available in ebook format for my Kindle. I had to download the file to my phone and my phone does. It save my place. It is really annoying that I have to write down my place and then go to it everytime I try and read it.
:(. It is making me not wanting to finish it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisa Morgan takes us on the journey of how the birth of Christ changed those during His time and how it can change us also. Each of their stories gives us a look at how Christ' life impacted them. Even though they may have been going down a different path, Jesus changed their direction. The powerful stories show us the true meaning of the season. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this. Maybe I'm just not in the mood for a devotional, but it also felt like the author had written it for new or non-Christians. The language she uses is rather elementary as far as telling the story of salvation and the purpose of Christmas, as though she expected her readers to have zero background with the Christian view of Christmas. Nothing really spoke to me and I gave up.

[Chanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read on key individuals in the Christmas story and how each played a role (and lesson) in the birth of Jesus.

I'll be honest, it wasn't my favorite Christmas devotional/Bible study I've done. There wasn't really anything new or unique in either the writing or format of the book that made me 'dig deeper' into my faith. Yet, it was a good refresher for a story that as the title suggests- changes everything.

[Deb Raker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The author takes the people involved around Christs birth and reveals how it changed them. There are thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter relating to how Christmas can change us. This book should become part of a tradition to be read every year! A great coffee table book!

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

How the birth of Jesus brings hope to the world.

Elisa shares how Christmas changed Mary, Jospeh, Zechariah, Elizabeth, The Shepherd, Simeon, Anna, The Magi and how it didn't change Herod.

Will Christmas change us to accept, yield, believe, rejoice, share, wait, worship seek and learn.
Will we welcome Emmanuel, God with us.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to read ahead of Christmas. Unfortunately, I was sick with Covid and finished it after Christmas. Still we haven’t celebrated Christmas with extended family and it helps me to see that we should celebrate Christmas all the time. Also, I feel I’m in the waiting period described in the book. This book was a great Christmas devotional.

[Joyce Mante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this Christmas devotional looking at how the various characters in the story of Christ's birth were changed by the first Christmas. It was good to slow down and read parts of the Christmas narrative from the Bible and look at one person at a time.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of, Christmas Changes Everything, by Elisa Morgan. I really enjoyed this book. How Christmas changed the author, the people, in the bible, and how it can change the reader.

[Glenn McKissic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with thorough Biblical references and practical questions inserted. Elisha’s book helped to build my faith.