Christmas in the Barn

By Pastor Karen Ward of Trinity, McAlisterville

Even though the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, sometimes as listeners we struggle to place ourselves at the manger of Jesus. Hearing the story in a barn can help us experience Christ’s birth in a new way, giving it more meaning and depth. The sights, sounds and smells transport us to the little town in Bethlehem. Sitting on straw bales in a cleaned-up working barn, with the smells and sounds of farm life all around helps us hear the Christmas story anew. Strings of Christmas lights hang around to remind us of the stars that shown guiding people to the place where Jesus lay.

In the afternoon of Christmas Eve this past year, we worshiped, we sang, we listened, and we took in the story of Jesus’ birth with new senses as Trinity led its first-ever “Christmas in the Barn” service at Sawmill Ridge Heritage Farm. Thanks to our gracious hosts, the Mummah family, we became part of the nativity story as we gathered around the manger, both horses and people alike. The earthy smells reminded us that God meets us in the ordinary and unexpected places in the world. The bread and wine of Holy Communion filled us and made us whole.

Just like at the first Christmas, the wonder of the holy seeks us out in the simplest of places in our lives. The wonder of God taking on flesh takes place in the humblest of places far away from the brightest lights and busiest calendars. Christmas doesn’t need to be elaborate and ornate in order to be meaningful and celebratory. Sometimes it’s in the simplest of places that we can best hear the most world-changing, love-filled story ever told.

With such a wonderful response in its first year, we are excited and hopeful to offer this worship experience again in 2025.