This time of the year invites us to imagine that indeed, everything, everyone, every encounter, is pregnant with the sacred. Not in a “where is God in this?” notion, but in a much more radical “Christ is here and permeating and radiating from everywhere” kind of way.

Our Christmas Season Schedule
Advent (see explanation below) is Nov 27 - Dec 18. 9:30 am in Sanctuary and 11:00 in New Life Center
Blue Christmas (see explanation below) is Dec 21 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Christmas Eve is at 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Christmas Day is at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary
Sunday after Christmas, Jan 1 is 9:30 am in Sanctuary and 11:00 in New Life Center

What is Advent?

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need for forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward to anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

What is Blue Christmas?

In the midst of all the wonder, joy, and celebration of Christmas, with its carols, parties, decorating, baking, gift-giving, and family time, it's easy for us to forget that in our own churches, Sunday school classes, and choirs there is likely to be someone for whom the idea of Christmas joy is not part of the season this year. 

A Blue Christmas service pays attention to the special needs of people who are "blue" or in pain at this time. Some churches call these "Longest Night Services," recognizing that the private night hours are often the most difficult, and the longest night of the year takes place on the winter solstice, just a few days before Christmas. These services can be a blend of elements that recognize Christmas and the fact that Jesus came to offer hope, as well as the fact that people are in pain.