The seasons of Advent and Chrismas are ones of expectancy, hope and joy. With great spiritual optimism, Advent begins a time of preparation, a period of self-examination in which the believer sweeps his or her inner house clean in anticipation of receiving the long-awaited Messiah. Unexpectedly finding the babe lying in a crude animal trough, the celebration of his nativity begins in quiet wonder at such a holy mystery. The twelve days of Christmas set off a time of bliss and good cheer as Christians, reminded of their salvation, begin another year pondering this new thing that has come to pass.

Sunday, November 30, 11:00 a.m.
Advent begins with the sound of bells, clouds of incense and the singing of ancient hymns of longing and rejoicing.To mark the Advent journey, the first candle – a sign of hope – is lit on our suspended wreath, a dramatic symbol of God's promised appearance in the midst of his people and his unending circle of love. O come, thou Wisdom from on high!

Sunday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.
Our journey to Christmas continues with the lighting of our second Advent candle, a symbol of all-redeeming love. After worship, families are invited to our annual Adventfest for fellowship and to construct their own Advent wreath. O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.

Sunday, December 14, 11:00 a.m.
The third week of Advent brings the voices of our children into the sanctuary. The congregation joins the sweetness of their singing with more joyful caroling and the lighting of the third candle, a symbol of joy. O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home.

CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT -
Friday, December 19, 8:00 p.m.
Join us for A Candlelit Christmas Celebration: Tidings of Comfort and Joy, a Christmas concert presented by the Christ Church Choir, directed by Dr. Steven Pilkington. The concert will feature selections from Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica (Christmas Hymns of Peace and Praise) by Michael Praetorius, for multiple choirs and instruments. Lovely food and drinks will be served in the chapel following the concert. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for students and seniors, and are available for purchase through the church office or at Coffee Hour after worship.

Sunday, December 21, 11:00 a.m.
Christ Church's family celebration includes glorious worship and a splendid banquet in Phillips Hall. The highlight of the day will be the annual pageant, always a surprise and filled with the wonderment that children bring to this season. Come and find the blessedness of Christmas through the eyes of a child. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thy advent here.

Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the birth of the Christ Child in worship appropriate for children. Join other families and children as we hear the story of God's love born in our midst.

Wednesday, December 24, 6:30 p.m.
In the warmth of candlelight, with the beauty of carols and the sweetest choral music, we gather around the family table to feast on the mystical goodness of a loving God, whose gift of a tender babe transformed the world. The choir will sing the songs of the angels in one of the loveliest services to be found at Christ Church.

Wednesday, December 31, 6:30 p.m.
Our annual covenant renewal service provides an opportunity to recommit our lives to God as we enter a new year.