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, DECEMBER 2, 11:00 A.M.
Advent begins with the sound of bells, clouds of incense and the singing of ancient yet evergreen hymns of longing and rejoicing. As the Word is read and proclaimed, the mystery of Christ's incarnation is celebrated in the act of communion, the bread and wine an everpresent reminder of God's presence in our lives. 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 9, 11:00 A.M.
The second 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 second candle, a symbol of all-redeeming love. O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.

CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 8:00 P.M.
This year's candlelit program will be especially festive and joy-filled as our new set of handbells will be showcased in new arrangements by our director of music. An orchestra of strings, winds and brass will accompany the choir in exhilarating music from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Beautiful settings of carols from around the world, including a showstopping piece from Nigeria, will round out the program. Our virtuosic organ scholar, Joe Arndt, will also be highlighted in a brilliant setting of Adeste Fideles. 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 16, 11:00 A.M.
On this day, the entire church will resound with children's voices, organ blasts and tintinnabulation. 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 Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 11:00 A.M.
As Christmas night looms in the twilit sky of the fourth Sunday of Advent, the choir, soloists and orchestra bring a special performance of Bach's brilliant "Magnificat" (My Soul doth Magnify the Lord), some of the master composer's most radiant and uplifting music. In reflecting on Mary, the spotless rose who willingly bore the saviour of the world, this ecstatic music captures the hope of the season in cascades of exuberant notes. With all the candles of the wreath aglow, the beauty of Christmas awaits the ready hearts of those who have made careful preparation for the child of Bethlehem. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thy advent here.

MONDAY, 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.

MONDAY, 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.

MONDAY, 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.