Christmas Through the Eyes Of...: A Look at Christmas From the Perspective of Those Who First Saw It

We think we know about Christmas; after all, we've heard the story countless times before. In fact we have our own traditions and celebrations that come, in part, from our understandings of the Christmas story. But where do we miss the real story? How do we fail to truly celebrate Christmas? "Christmas Through the Eyes Of..." is a reflective journey for Advent and Christmas that seeks to consider what Christmas might have looked like through the eyes of those who first lived it. We explore the birth of the Messiah from the perspectives of John the Baptizer, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, God, and the Magi. There are aspects of the Christmas story that are shocking, unexpected, and overwhelming beautiful when considered through their eyes. It is a journey of faith that might change your perception of what Christmas is truly about. Come, let the journey begin!

Kevin Payne is the senior pastor of Dadeville First United Methodist Church. He is a 2007 graduate of the Candler School of Theology, Emory University and a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. Before he joined the pastoral ministry, Kevin served various congregations in the music ministry. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children.