Advent 2019

“Here is the testimony of faith; darkness is not dark to God; the night is as bright as the day.”
–Barbara Brown Taylor, Learning to Walk in the Dark

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined. –Isaiah 9:2

Advent and Christmas are seasons of light. We light candles on the Advent wreath. We string lights on our trees and houses. We sit by the fire. We drive around town to view light displays. Then we each hold light in our hands while we sing Silent Night. All of these lights are symbolic of the fulfilment of God’s promise that those “who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”

In addition to extraordinary music, each Sunday during Advent, we will hear stories of walking in darkness from special guests who will share their personal stories of struggle, pain, and grief. But they will also share how they have seen great light even in the midst of the darkness. We will hear how Christ, the Light of the World, has shone on them and be challenged to seek light, be light, and share light ourselves. Join us each Sunday in December as we walk in darkness and see great light. In addition, see our full schedule of Advent events and services below.

Illumination with Choir and Orchestra
December 8th at 11:00 am, during First Tradition

Christmas Pageant
December 15th at 10:00 am, Winston Faulkner Gymnasium

Christmas Caroling
December 22nd at 3 pm, Caroling followed by Hot Chocolate at FUMC

The Service of the Longest Night
December 22nd at 5:30 pm in the Chapel

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
December 24th at Noon in the Chapel, 6 and 11 pm in the Sanctuary