Advent & Christmas at First Lutheran

ADVENT | Awaiting the Manger
November 30 – December 24
Throughout this Advent season, we journey with Matthew as he continually reaches back to the Hebrew Scriptures, reminding us that the God who once liberated God’s people is still at work today—both in the story of Jesus and in our own time and communities. Along the way, Matthew, John the Baptist, Mary, and even Joseph—in his rare but tender appearance—become icons of Emmanuel, God with us. 
 
 

ADVENT | Devotional
Celebrate the hope of Christmas as you witness how God has written the promise of Immanuel, “God with us,” into history! Awaiting the Manger journeys with you through the Advent season, illuminating how God used the lives of ordinary people to foreshadow Christ’s coming during the centuries and even millennia before his birth. 
 
Books are available at the Welcome Center free of charge, thanks to a Thrivent Action Team. Please only take one per household. 
 
This devotional book can be used in conjunction with the sermon series resource guide found HERE.
 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Poinsettias will adorn our sanctuary for Christmas worship services. If you wish to honor or remember a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia, please click HERE or fill out the order form at the Welcome Center. Plants are $25, and payment is required with your order. Orders must be received by 4:30pm on Wednesday, December 17, to be acknowledged during Christmas Eve worship.

ADVENT OF GRATITUDE
This year’s Advent of Gratitude project will support the Douglas County Foster Closet. Their mission is to provide immediate needs to foster and adoptive families in Douglas County. Items needed include clothes, toys, games, baby supplies, and much more.
 
To participate, take an ornament from the tree, purchase the item(s), and return it under the tree (unwrapped). Monetary donations will also be accepted by placing them in the donation box, or by giving online and choosing Advent of Gratitude.
 

ADVENT MAKERSPACE
Sundays in Advent – Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21
This Advent, we invite you to slow down, gather, and create as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Each Sunday in Advent, join us between services (9:30-10:00am) in the bell tower to make a unique Advent craft. Come for one week or all four! No registration or experience required – just bring your Advent spirit of hope and creativity. All ages are welcome! Together, we await the manger – the place where heaven touches earth.
 

LIVING NATIVITY
Sunday, December 7 | 4:30-6:30PM | Drive-Thru
The Living Nativity has been a Christmas tradition at First Lutheran for 41 years! Join us as we bring the Christmas story to life! This is a great event for people of all ages – invite your friends & load up your vehicle! 

CHRISTMAS FAMILY MUSIC CLASS 
Friday, December 13 | 9:30am | Room 1A & 1B
Celebrate the nativity story with singing, movement, instruments, and fellowship! Paula Odland will be leading this event for kids ages 18 months – 5 years old joined by a parent or caregiver. There is no cost to attend, but we will be collecting music-inspired toys or books for a local toy drive. This event is open to the community – you are encouraged to sign up HERE or at the Welcome Center.

FIRESIDE SING-A-LONG
Friday, December 12 | 6:00pm | Gathering Space
Join us as we sing Christmas songs led by Paula Odland, Pat Kalina, and Joyce Engel. Bring your friends and family and enjoy cider, cookies, and Christmas cheer!

CAROLS & CANDLES
Saturday, December 20 | 5:00pm 
Carols and Candles is a Christmas tradition at First Lutheran.
All are welcome to join us for this annual musical event featuring the Chancel Choir, Alleluia Ringers, and the Orchestra. Bring a friend and get into the Christmas spirit!

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Tuesday, December 24
Children’s Service – 10:00am
Candlelight Services – 1:30pm | 4:00pm | 6:30pm
Facebook & YouTube Live – All services.
Radio – KXRA 100.3FM – 7:00pm
TV – Spectrum Channel 181 – 8:00pm