Advent & Christmas 2025
@ Arcola Church
Join us for a month-long celebration of the birth of Jesus! We're exploring the reasons we "Sing Christmas!" in our Advent sermon series; pulling out all the stops at our Christmas Fest and Live Nativity; remembering those we love at our A Night of Hope remembrance service; and ringing in Christmas with candlelight, carols, Communion, and children's worship on December 24.
We will read and tell the familiar story of the birth of Jesus and be reminded once again of the importance of living in the light of Christ all year. We look forward to celebrating this season with you!
See below for worship times, and event dates and details!
This Advent and Christmas, we journey through the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, where heaven and earth meet in the story of Jesus’ birth. From angelic proclamations to humble manger scenes, Luke tells us of God’s glory breaking into the world in unexpected ways, bringing peace to all who are willing to receive it.
CHRISTMAS WEEK SERVICES:
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
11AM Children’s Worship & Christmas Pageant
1PM CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
3PM CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
5PM CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
7PM CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Sunday, December 28
VIRTUAL ONLY 11AM SERVICE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 12: 5–8:30PM | Experience an evening of holiday joy! Our annual smash hit Christmas Fest is family fun for all ages. We're bringing back live animals in our nativity, Christmas music performances, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus Santa's workshop, games, hot coca, food trucks, and more.
Thanks to the generosity of many, all 453 individuals on the Angel Tree are supported. Thank you seems like a small statement, but please know we are incredibly grateful for your generosity.
You can still make a difference by making a monetary donation, there are always a few final needs to shop for. Please donate through the green "donate directly" link below.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29: 9am-12pm | Deck the Halls! Elves of all ages are invited to usher in Advent and Christmas by decorating the church. No registration necessary, just bring your heart full of Christmas cheer and willing hands.
WEDNESDAYS: 11:30AM | Join us on Wednesdays in Pearson Chapel for Arcola’s Wednesday Prayer Service. This service is 30 minutes in length and designed to strengthen us until Sunday comes. During a portion of Advent & Lent, we will serve a simple lunch for all who attend.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14: 7pm | All are invited to this evening worship service of hope. We will explore together ways in which to cope and find hope for loss amidst the noise of Christmas. This service includes honoring those we have lost by naming our Saints who have gone before us. A bell will be rung after each loved one is named.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 21: 9am & 11am | Join us for worship along with our Festival Choir as we present Pepper Choplin’s powerful Christmas musical, Go Sing It on the Mountain. We will present this musical masterpiece on Sunday, December 21 for BOTH Services along with guest instrumentalists. We will also share some highlights from this choral work for the 7pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24: 11am | This Christmas Eve worship service is designed especially for kids! Join us as our children present a joyful Nativity Pageant, sing favorite Christmas carols, and take part in our beloved annual “Duck Nativity”—a fun and meaningful tradition cherished by our whole church family. For more information, please contact or