The Symbols of Christmas

by zachbarnes | Dec 1, 2014 | Christmas

All around us at Christmas are signs of the celebration of His coming–lights, trees, decorations, even Santa Claus–as the world celebrates a holiday they don’t even understand. By our sharing the truth behind the symbols, they become "traditions which testify," imprinting hearts and minds with the love of God in the gift of His Son.

Come As a Child…

by zachbarnes | Nov 30, 2014 | Christmas

Something about the Christmas season makes us more inclined to recognize the child in us. The encounters of Jesus with children show how we are invited to come as a child to Him. Jesus Himself says, if you don’t, you’ll never enter into the Kingdom.

About Believing in Santa Claus

by zachbarnes | Nov 9, 2014 | Christmas

Even though a small percentage of the Christian community takes issue with Santa, I find it hard to be threatened by him. I also find it impossible to believe that either God, the Father, or Christ, the Son, is likely to be eclipsed by the silhouette of Santa’s sleigh rising in the Christmas sky.

Have Yourself a “Mary” Christmas!

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

Christmas is the great celebration of God's redemptive entry into our world, an invasion that took place through an ordinary person no different than you or me.

Making Holidays Happily Holy

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

Nothing is more likely to open hearts to Christ than being exposed to the joy of Jesus in a home or congregation where people have learned to radiate celebration with a richness of joy that only the original Spirit of Christmas can bring.

Recovering the Lost Art of Celebrating

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

The Lord calls us to celebrate in the context of our relationship to Him by ordaining four great principles of celebration: remembrance, rejoicing, feasting and giving.