Advent & Christmas at First Lutheran

ADVENT | Joy to the World
December 1 – December 24
Our Advent sermon series this year is Joy to the World. The well-known Christmas hymn begins, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” While joy is in the air during the Christmas season, joy can feel elusive when facing difficult situations. This Advent we will rehearse once again the story that is the source of joy to the world, as well as joy to us when we need it most. The series will guide us through the first few chapters of Luke’s Christmas story, highlighting different moments when joy was found in unexpected or challenging circumstances. This four-week sermon series on joy will help prepare our hearts to fully experience and share the joy of Christmas. Click HERE for the sermon series resource you can use with a small group, with your family, or on your own.
 
 
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 noon on Monday, December 16 to be acknowledged during Christmas Eve worship.
ADVENT OF GRATITUDE
This year’s Advent of Gratitude project will support the new Alexandria campus of MN Adult & Teen Challenge. Their mission is to assist men, women, and teens in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other life-controlling problems by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. (The Alexandria location is a men’s campus.) Needed items include toiletries, clothing, linens, Bibles, and more! You can also provide Christmas gift items for clients to give their children – here is a wish list. A Christmas tree will be set up in the gathering space with ornaments representing the various items. Please take an ornament off the tree and place your items or monetary donations under the tree or in the designated lock box any time during the Advent season.
 
LIVING NATIVITY
Sunday, December 8 | 4:30-6:30PM | Drive-Thru
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! The Living Nativity has been a Christmas tradition for 40 years at First Lutheran!
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 13 | 6:00pm | Gathering Space
Join us as we sing Christmas songs led by Paula Odland, Pat Kalina, and Virginia Hegre. Bring your friends and family and enjoy cider, cookies, and Christmas cheer!
CAROLS & CANDLES
Saturday, December 21 | 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, the Orchestra, and the Alexandria Area High School Carolers. 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 | 6:00pm
Facebook & YouTube Live – All services.
Radio – KXRA 100.3FM – 7:00pm
TV – Spectrum Channel 181 – 7:00pm