Merry Christmas
Christmas is the story of a holy God lovingly stepping into our broken world through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Whether you’re exploring the meaning of Christmas for the first time or have followed Jesus for many years, this season invites us to slow down, remember the miracle of the incarnation, and rejoice in the hope of salvation.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is a special missions offering taken each year by Southern Baptists to support international missionaries through the International Mission Board. Named in 1918 for Lottie Moon, a missionary who spent nearly 40 years sharing the gospel in China and urging churches to pray and give, this offering helps send and sustain thousands of missionaries around the world so that people in every nation can hear about Jesus.
We have the privilege of joining with Southern Baptists everywhere in this Great Commission work. As you give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering above your regular tithes, every dollar goes directly to support missionaries on the field - none is used for administrative costs. You can participate by praying for missionaries and giving as the Lord leads.
The Decorations of Christmas
Preparing our hearts for the coming King.
The Christmas journey is remembering the birth of Jesus and looking for His coming again. As we hang greens and wreaths, ring the bells, light the tree, and place the Nativity, we celebrate the God who loved the world and gave His only Son.
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Why do we hang Christmas Bells?
Announcing the greatest news: Christ is born.
Through the years, bells have announced important news. At Christmas they proclaim the greatest news of all: Christ is born. Their ringing reminds us to awaken to God’s call, rejoice in His love, and share the good news of Jesus - our true reason for the season.
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Why do we hang Evergreens & Garland?
Ever-green, ever-alive - like God’s unchanging love.
Evergreens stay vibrant even in the cold of winter. Holly, ivy, pine, and fir remind us that God’s love is unchanging and His life in us is everlasting. Garland wrapping the sanctuary is a picture of God’s faithful presence surrounding His people with beauty and grace.
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Why do we hang Wreaths?
No beginning, no end - God’s eternal grace.
The Christmas wreath, a circle without beginning or end, points to God’s eternal nature and the endless grace we find in Christ. Like a victory wreath, it celebrates Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. Its evergreen branches remind us that the new life He gives will never fade.
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Why do we display Poinsettias?
The star and the Savior’s crimson love.
The bright red poinsettia has become a beloved Christmas flower. Its star-shaped leaf recalls the star that shone over Bethlehem, and its deep red color points to the blood Jesus would shed to save us. He came to walk among us, to share our joys and sorrows, and to give His life for the world.
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Why do we display Christmas Trees?
A sign of life and the Light of the world.
The Christmas tree stands tall in the darkness of winter, a symbol of life and light. Its shape points our hearts toward heaven, reminding us that Christ came from above to dwell with us. When lit, the tree whispers the truth of Advent: Jesus is the Light of the World, shining in our darkness with everlasting life.
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Why do we hang Ornaments?
God adorns our lives with grace and joy.
Ornaments sparkle with color and light, reflecting the many blessings of God. They remind us of the beauty Christ brings into our lives and the diverse gifts of His people offered in praise to the King. As you take an ornament home, remember the true gift of the season - Jesus Himself.
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Why do we see Angels?
Messengers of ‘Glory to God in the highest.
Angels were the first to proclaim the birth of Christ: “Glory to God in the highest!” They are God’s messengers, announcing peace and good news. As angels fill the sanctuary, we join their eternal song of praise, celebrating the Savior who has come for all people.
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Why do we see the Nativity?
God with us in a manger.
The Nativity scene draws us back to Bethlehem - a humble stable, watchful shepherds, a newborn baby laid in a manger. Here we remember that the eternal God stepped into our world in Jesus. As we look on Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child, we celebrate God’s greatest gift: His Son, given for us.