Advent & Christmas

Lessons & Carols Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 7th | 11:00 am

Our annual Lessons & Carols Christmas Pageant will bring the nativity story to life through the voices and hearts of our youngest congregation members. Children will take center stage in the beloved roles of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and angels, proclaiming the timeless message of Christ's birth through scripture readings, carols, and dramatic storytelling.


The worship service will weave together the traditional service of lessons—scripture passages tracing God's promise of redemption from Genesis through the Gospels—with joyful carols sung by the congregation. Between readings, our children will enact the sacred Christmas narrative with earnest devotion and occasional unrehearsed charm that will remind us all of the wonder and simplicity at the heart of the Gospel.


A special highlight will be our magnificent camel, a truly larger-than-life creation that will accompany the wise men on their journey to Bethlehem. 

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday, December 14th | 6:00 pm

Join us for Carols by Candlelight, a special Advent worship service featuring our Sanctuary Choir in an evening of sacred music and quiet reflection. This year's service will be dedicated to the memory of Shelley Jones, a beloved member of our congregation who served as lector for this service for many years, faithfully proclaiming the Word and helping to create the sacred atmosphere we cherish.


As we journey through the season of waiting and preparation, this choral-oriented service will offer a contemplative space to encounter the beauty and mystery of Christ's coming. Our Sanctuary Choir will lead us through beloved carols and sacred anthems of the season, with the lights turned low for a time of reflection.


This will be a time to pause amid the busyness of the season, to listen deeply, and to prepare our hearts for the wonder of Christmas. Let the music, the candlelight, and the community of faith draw you into the sacred story we await and celebrate together.

Christmas Eve Services

Wednesday, December 24th

3:00 pm Deutsch | 5:00 pm | 11:00 pm

Join us for a sacred Christmas Eve worship service as we gather to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This beloved tradition will bring our church family together in joyful proclamation of the good news: "For unto us a child is born!"


The Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by a talented instrumental ensemble, will lead the congregation in singing classic Christmas hymns that have proclaimed Christ's birth for generations.


As we hear the beloved nativity story from the Gospel of Luke, we will be reminded once again of God's extraordinary love made manifest in a humble manger in Bethlehem. The service will culminate in our most treasured Christmas Eve tradition: the congregation will hold candles as the sanctuary lights dim, the gentle glow of candlelight symbolizing the light of Christ that has come into the world and can never be overcome by darkness.


This Christmas Eve, come and experience the wonder, the joy, and the peace that this holy night brings. All are welcome to worship with us as we celebrate Emmanuel—God with us.

Other Advent Activities


UKirk Christmas Party

Tuesday, December 2nd | 6:30 PM | Home of Shelley Hancock


Wednesday Night Live: Cookie Decorating & Perry County Food Bag Packing
Wednesday, December 3rd | 6:00 PM | Westervelt-Warner Chapel at FPC


Children's Advent Workshop

Sunday, November 30th, December 14th, and 21st | 9:45 AM | FPC Rooms 202 & 203


Mature Members' Christmas Luncheon to Bright Star
Wednesday, December 10th | Depart at 10:00 AM from BK Parking Lot, Dine at 11:00 AM | Bright Star Restaurant


Youth Christmas Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 14th | 4:00 PM

Poinsettias for Advent

Help make our Sanctuary festive during Advent. Purchase a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one for $15 each by December 10th. Payment must accompany your order. The poinsettias may be picked up after the Christmas Eve services. Fill out the form below or fill out the form in the Sunday bulletin and drop it along with your payment in the offering box.



ORDER FORM

Advent Devotionals


  • Humble and Holy

    Humble and Holy continues a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany.  

  • Waiting in Wonder

    Advent is filled with anticipation and wonder and, sometimes, a little impatience! Let’s not be too quick to skip over these Advent days, for they hold precious opportunities to learn more about the promises of God and the surprises that come from the joy of the Lord.

  • Look Around the Stable

    Advent is a time for getting ready. Soon we will celebrate the birth of Christ, and we always look forward to the day when Christ will come again. When Jesus first came to earth, a stable was ready to be his birthplace. The devotions in this book invite you each day to “Look Around the Stable,” for so much of what you see there can help you get ready too. Ready? Look around the stable!