The Testimony of the Tree

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

The arrangement and decoration of a Christmas tree is not a surrender to mere cultural tradition. By means of the Christmas tree, we testify of three important things about what we believe.

Refusing the Scrooge Spirit

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

Like Herod and his attempt to kill the Christ child, the Scrooge spirit is any stance toward Christmas that either rejects its celebration or attempts to kill it. Here are six ways to refuse the Scrooge spirit that would seek to dampen delight and reduce your receptivity to Lord and His season.

The Fountainhead of Christmas Joy

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

Christmas glows with the promise, “To you...this day a Savior!” And at this special season, God seeks to get our attention by means which too many fail to associate with Him: joy.

The Heart of the Father of Christmas

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

Some parents are so worried that if they let their kids celebrate the fun and legends of Christmas, they’ll misunderstand the truth of it. My father's excitement for celebrating Christmas helped me to understand the heart of the eternal Father and the real Gift of Christmas: His Son.

The Children of Christmas… And The Child of Christmas

by zachbarnes | Nov 19, 2012 | Christmas

There are those who argue against the Christmas celebration because "it cost so much." But Christmas has always been costly; in fact, it cost Heaven everything. This Christmas, answer the Holy Spirit's summons to "spend big" with willingness to love, serve, and care for human need and brokenness.