Transformed By His Glory
Transformed By His Glory: Refocusing on Jesus in the Christmas Season
Inspired by Matthew 17:1-8 | Sermon by Charlie Wallace
As Thanksgiving fades and Christmas approaches, most of us are swept up in the holiday whirlwind: decorating homes, making plans, shopping for gifts, and attending endless seasonal events. Yet, beneath the sparkle of Christmas lights and the rush of festivities lies a profound truth that often gets overlooked. This truth is beautifully captured in Matthew 17:1-8—the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ—a moment of divine encounter that has the power to transform how we see ourselves, our faith, and this season.
Let’s unpack the story, reflect on what it reveals about God, and discover how it can recalibrate our focus amid the holiday busyness.
The Mountain-Top Experience: Encountering God's Glory
In his sermon, Charlie Wallace begins with a relatable story about the transformative moments in life—the birth of a child, a powerful worship experience, or even a time of deep mourning and comfort in a hospital room. For many, these are moments that forever change us, when we sense the overwhelming reality of “God is good.” In Matthew 17, Peter, James, and John experience one such moment on the mountaintop.
Jesus leads them away from the crowds, and suddenly, “he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Then, Moses and Elijah—towering figures in Israel’s spiritual history—appear and talk with Jesus. The disciples witness something extraordinary: the full glory and true nature of Christ, the intersection of heaven and earth, and the assurance that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah.
Why This Moment Matters
What’s the significance of this scene? Why were Moses and Elijah present, and what does their appearance mean for us?
Moses represented the Law, the foundation of God’s covenant.
Elijah stood for the Prophets, defenders of God’s truth and bold miracles.
Their presence alongside Christ signaled that everything—the Law, the Prophets, history—pointed to Jesus. He is the fulfillment and the glory promised from old.
As Charlie Wallace explains, the disciples knew Moses and Elijah instantly, without introductions. This hints at the deeper fellowship awaiting believers: in God’s glory, there will be no strangers in heaven—only instant recognition and unity among God’s people.
Three Truths About God’s Nature Revealed
Matthew’s account and Charlie Wallace’s sermon remind us of vital aspects of God’s nature, which the Transfiguration so clearly reveals:
God Is Holy
His holiness sets Him apart from all creation. Isaiah’s vision declared, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” No amount of repetition can sufficiently express His total otherness and purity.God Is Sovereign
Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” God is not subject to our whims, fears, or plans. He is the designer, the Creator, and the one executing a plan beyond our comprehension.God Is Loving and Faithful
The very definition of divine love is self-sacrifice, as shown in Jesus giving His life for humanity. “God is love,” writes John. God is faithful, pouring out fresh mercies every morning, regardless of our failures.
All these truths confront our daily anxieties and distractions. To understand God’s glory is to see Him as He truly is: set apart, sovereignly in control, loving beyond measure, and unfailingly trustworthy.
How God’s Glory Transforms Us
1. God’s Glory Realigns Our Will
When Peter sees Jesus glorified, he’s so awestruck that he wants the moment to last—suggesting, “Let’s build three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” It’s easy to empathize: we all desire to linger in our “mountaintop moments.” But God’s voice interrupts, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”
Charlie Wallace points out the importance of this redirection: our faith journey isn’t just about enjoying spiritual highs. It’s about realigning our desires, plans, and comfort with God’s greater mission. Our good ideas, as Peter had, must be surrendered to God’s best plans—even when that means stepping off the mountain and facing hard roads ahead.
2. God’s Glory Refocuses Our Vision
The disciples, overwhelmed by God’s majesty and holiness, fall face-down in fear—a deep sense of awe and inadequacy before such purity. Jesus tenderly touches them: “Rise, have no fear.”
As Charlie Wallace illustrates, our view of reality is often blurred—not by faulty contact lenses, but by spiritual nearsightedness. When we fix our focus solely on Jesus, everything else comes into proper perspective. Chaos, fear, and distractions fade; clarity returns. After witnessing the divine, the disciples see “no one but Jesus only”—the ultimate reminder that Christ alone is to be the object of our faith and worship.
3. God’s Glory Calls Us to Cling to Christ
In a world selling fear—from news broadcasts to economic forecasts—it’s easy to stay down and anxious. Yet Christ calls us to rise, be unafraid, and “cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” True transformation begins not with trying harder, but with seeing Christ clearly and drawing near to Him—especially when storms rage.
Living Transformed: Three Practical Responses
How can we allow the glory of Christ to transform us this Christmas—and beyond? Charlie Wallace suggests three actionable steps:
Prioritize His Voice
Tune out the constant noise and fear-mongering of the world. Let Jesus’ words—“Rise, have no fear”—rule your heart. Set time in your daily routine for prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection.Daily Surrender Your Will
Like Peter, we all have preferences, plans, and agendas. But true discipleship requires letting go and letting God lead. Trust Him with your crooked paths—He can straighten them in ways you never imagined.Cling to Jesus—In Every Storm
When anxieties mount (even over holiday shopping or family tensions), don’t hold back. Cast every worry on Christ, trusting that He cares deeply and can give peace.
The True Focus of the Christmas Season
As the message closes, we’re reminded that Christmas is ultimately about celebrating the incarnation—the Son of God stepping into our world, living the life we couldn’t live, and dying in our place for our salvation. Amid decorations, traditions, and celebrations, let us not lose sight of Christ. Let His glory transform how we approach every aspect of this season:
Not just with nostalgia, but with awe and gratitude.
Not letting fear-driven voices dictate our mood, but focusing on Christ’s hope.
Not distracted by comfort or preferences, but actively seeking spiritual transformation.
Imagine your family, community, or church living each day “as if we had just seen the glory of God”—with eyes fixed on Jesus alone. Such transformation, Charlie Wallace concludes, is exactly what turned the early church “upside down” in the Book of Acts—and it’s possible for us today.
Let’s rise. Let’s have no fear. This Christmas, may we be truly transformed by His glory.
Keywords: Transfiguration, Matthew 17, Christmas focus, God’s glory, spiritual transformation, Christian living, Jesus only, holiday stress, fear, faith, surrender, Bible sermon, Charlie Wallace.
Meta Description:
Discover how the Transfiguration of Christ in Matthew 17 can transform your Christmas season. Learn ways to refocus on Jesus and embody God’s glory despite holiday distractions, inspired by a powerful sermon from Charlie Wallace.
