Slideshow image

Advent Sermon Series: On the Way to Bethlehem

 

November 30 – Sunday of Hope

Rome: A Place of Longing.     Rev. Loren Boyce preaching

We begin in Rome, where a decree from Caesar reshapes countless lives. As the study describes, Rome represents the powers and pressures outside our control—the forces that push us forward whether we are ready or not. Yet even here, hope stirs.
We ask: What are we longing for this Advent, and where are we placing our hope?

 

December 7 – Sunday of Peace

Jerusalem: A Place of Waiting.     Rev. Dan Odell preaching

In Jerusalem, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s long-awaited joy breaks in unexpectedly. Their story shows that what happens within us while we wait is as important as what we’re waiting for. Jerusalem invites us to ask: How do we live peaceably—and work for peace—even while waiting?

 

December 14 – Sunday of Joy

Nazareth: A Place of Simplicity.     Rev. Jessica Boyce preaching

Nazareth is the small, humble village where Mary hears the angel’s astonishing message. Here, joy is born not from abundance, but from simplicity and trust.
This week we reflect: What joy can we glean from the simplest moments, the simplest gifts, the simple presence of God?

 

December 18 – Blue Christmas Service

Stops Along the Way.     Rev. Jessica Boyce preaching

A gentle, contemplative service for those carrying grief, loss, or tender emotions. Even on the way to Bethlehem, the journey calls us to pause, breathe, and let God meet us in the honest places of the heart.

 

December 21 – Sunday of Love

Bethlehem: A Place of Humility.     Choir Cantata – “Nowell, Nowell, Emmanuel”

Now we arrive at Bethlehem — “Nowell, Nowell, Emmanuel” echoes the heart of our journey On the Way to Bethlehem, gathering the longing, waiting, simplicity, and humble love of the season into a single musical story of Christ’s coming. Through its expressive texts and radiant harmonies, the cantata invites us to experience Emmanuel—God with us—as the culmination of the sacred places we’ve traveled together.

This week we wonder: How will we show this kind of humble love to the world?

 

Christmas Eve – December 24

The Stable: A Place of Care.     Rev. Loren Boyce preaching

The stable is unassuming—messy, crowded, and ordinary—yet it becomes the meeting place of heaven and earth. As the study beautifully puts it, “the promise of hope, peace, joy, and love combine in one tightly swaddled infant” who calls us to care for one another.

This holy night asks: Will we open our arms to God?

 

4:30 PM – Family Service

A joyful, relaxed celebration featuring:
Modern music & guitar-led carols (with Chad Lore)
No-rehearsal children’s Christmas story with costumes provided
Communion
Candlelit “Silent Night”

 

7:00 PM – Traditional Candlelight Service

Featuring:
Chancel Choir
Brass Ensemble
Traditional Christmas hymns
Communion
Candlelit “Silent Night”

 

9:00 PM – Blended Candlelight Service

Featuring:
Handbell Ensemble
Traditional hymns
Communion
Candlelit “Silent Night”

 

 

December 28 – Sunday After Christmas

Persia: A Place of Return.     Rev. Dan Odell preaching

The Magi travel far, encounter Christ, and then—having been warned in a dream—return home by another way. As the series notes, this final stop invites us to ask:
What new star may be calling to us?
How will we “return anew” as the new year begins?

 

Walk With Us This Season

As we journey On the Way to Bethlehem, we discover that every place—Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Stable, Persia, and the places of our own lives—can reveal God’s presence.

This Advent and Christmas, may you find new hope, deeper peace, surprising joy, humble love, and the tender care of God who is always drawing near.

There is a place for you on the journey!