Advent and Christmastide
Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and land seizures that forced many into subsistence farming. Poverty and destitution were pervasive. And yet, Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy for all people.
As Advent comes again to a weary world, we ask, “How does a weary world rejoice?” From the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we have found a few answers: we acknowledge our weariness, we find joy in connection, we allow ourselves to be amazed, we sing stories of hope, we make room, we root ourselves in ritual, and most importantly, we trust our belovedness. In the parallel birth stories of Jesus and John, joy arrives—despite trepidation, fear, or grief. In these stories, we find rhythms for rejoicing. As we move through our series, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.
And so, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.
Christmas Eve Services
MORNING SERVICES
Sunday, December 24
8:30 AM – Communion Service, Sanctuary
10:30 AM – Lessons and Carols Worship Service, Sanctuary & Livestreamed
EVENING SERVICES
Saturday, December 24
5:30 PM – Children’s Service, Main Sanctuary
7:30 PM – Family Candlelight & Carol Service, Sanctuary & Livestreamed
10:30 PM – Communion and Candlelight Service, Sanctuary
Longest Night Service
Thursday, December 21
7:30 PM – Sanctuary
Although Advent is a joyful season for so many, we also know that this time of year can be drenched in fatigue, grief, and loneliness. We will gather as a community to honor that reality and draw near to God to allow space for healing and prayer. Bring your grief. Bring your weariness. Bring your fatigue. May you find peace in your journey.
Mid-Week Advent Services
Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20
12:00 PM – Sanctuary
Join us in a brief mid-week Advent service as we reflect on the themes of An Unlikely Advent by Rachel Billups, which takes a deeper dive into contemplating the extraordinary people of the Christmas Story. Then we will make a cozy journey to the Community Room to share a meal of soup and bread and reflect on some of our worship themes.
Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
Tuesday, December 26
4:00 – 9:00 PM
The beloved Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship returns this holiday season in Downtown Frederick. This special open house celebrates Frederick’s tradition of religious diversity, local history, and the holiday season.
MAIN SANCTUARY & COMMUNITY ROOM, 15 W. Church Street
Enjoy music and the Christmas Putz in the Sanctuary. A putz is a nativity scene, or creche, which tells the Christmas story with groups of figurines on a miniature landscape. A narration of the Christmas story accompanies the Putz.
In our Community Room, enjoy hospitality and refreshments.