The Praises of Christmas: Christmas Through the Eyes of Those Who Were There (Jay Smith)

The Praises of Christmas:

Christmas Through the Eyes of Those Who Were There

The Praises of Christmas takes readers on a journey to the first Christmas through the eyes of those who were there, focusing especially on their response of praise to God’s gift of a Savior:

• Mary, sure of God’s goodness but unsure about all the implications of this baby
• Zacharias, humbled by his doubts but rejoicing in God’s work
• The angels, marveling that their Creator would come to earth in such a vulnerable way
• The shepherds, despised in society yet being first to receive the good news for all people
• The elderly Simeon and Anna, rejoicing to see the young Messiah after waiting so long.

Their memories are not of candles and presents and meals and family togetherness but of God at work in a way that almost made them speechless.

About the Author

Jay N. Smith is pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in St. Charles, Illinois (bbcstc.org). He and his wife have been married for over 33 years, with four adult children and two darling grandchildren. Jay worked in software development and database design, as well as serving as a church elder and pulpit supply speaker prior to full time ministry.

Jay was born and raised in Kansas City. Although his family attended church every week and he participated in youth group and choirs, he never heard and understood the gospel during those years. In the Lord’s sovereignty, he joined a fraternity at the University of Kansas where he met two fraternity brothers who explained the reality of sin and forgiveness in Christ. After his first semester, Jay trusted Jesus as his Savior and Lord and became the spiritual brother of the men who witnessed to him. He joined a local church that was focused on the college campus and began studying the Scriptures and teaching Bible studies … and he met his future wife, Jan! They are now empty-nesters learning how to be good grandparents.

Jay completed a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Kansas, became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), then joined an accounting firm in the consulting division. Jay continued to teach Bible studies and Sunday School classes while pursuing his career. He most recently worked for BlueCross BlueShield Association for 14 years before moving into ministry full time. He began serving Bethel Baptist as pastor in 2018. Jay also enjoys studying the Greek text of the New Testament and is furthering his education at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.