Advent 2024
Sermon Series: Songs of Expectation
This Advent, join us for a meaningful sermon series exploring the Songs of Expectation the powerful songs of Zechariah, Mary, and Simeon that echo through the Gospel of Luke. Each song reveals deep faith, hope, and joy in anticipation of Christ’s coming, offering us a path to encounter God’s promises anew this season.
Zechariah’s Song: Luke 1:67–79 December 1st
Zechariah’s Benedictus speaks of God’s faithfulness and redemption after a long season of silence. As we reflect on his prophetic song, we’ll explore themes of hope rekindled and the light breaking into darkness.
Mary’s Song: Luke 1:45–55 December 8th
Mary’s Magnificat proclaims the mighty works of God in raising up the humble and filling the hungry. Her song invites us to reflect on God’s radical love and justice, calling us to be part of God’s work of transformation.
December 15th
Simeon’s Song: Luke 2:21-35
Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis expresses deep joy and peace as he holds the promised Savior. His song celebrates God’s faithfulness across generations, encouraging us to trust God with our own hopes and longings.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
4:00 PM Gingerbread House Contest, Cookie Decorating and Pizza
Prior to the Columbia Main Street Christmas parade, our children and youth will gather in the Fellowship Hall for pizza, cookie decorating, and a Gingerbread House competition. Our children will be decorating cookies to hand out to parade goers along with hot chocolate provided by the Congregational Life Committee and our youth will be competing in our annual gingerbread house competition. To make sure we have enough pizza and supplies, we need to know if you will be joining us. Please RSVP by scanning the QR code.
6:00 PM Grab a seat for the parade!
Join us in front of the church for the best seats in town as we watch the parade together, sip hot cocoa, pass out cookies to our neighbors, and kick off the holiday season!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH Light in the Darkness Service
6:00 PM Light in the Darkness Service in the Chapel
Childcare will be provided
The holiday season can be challenging for many, especially those carrying grief, loss, or hardship. You are warmly invited to our Light in the Darkness service – a gentle, contemplative service designed to bring comfort and peace.
In this quiet gathering, we will offer prayers, light candles, and find solace in the hope of Christ’s presence, even in our darkest moments. Whether you ’ re struggling, grieving, or simply seeking a calm space amid the holiday rush, this service is open to all.
Please join us as we acknowledge our burdens and worship Jesus Christ the Light of the World who brings hope into our darkness.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH Christmas Caroling
4:00 PM Christmas Caroling
Carolers of ALL ages and singing abilities are welcome to come and make a joyful noise to the Lord as we spread Christmas cheer to our homebound members. Please meet in the sanctuary first to divide into groups. After caroling, we’ll return to the church for soup and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER
6:00 PM Unto Us:
18TH Christmas Program
The Christmas Story
As Christmas approaches, we ’ re excited to invite our church family to a very special celebration, our annual Christmas Program! This unique program brings together people of all ages in our congregation to share the story of Jesus’ birth and the joy of the season.
Join us in the Sanctuary as our children, youth and adults present a special program telling the story of Jesus’ birth through music and movement. This is a beautiful opportunity to gather as a church family, connecting and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND
Lessons and Carols Service
10:30 AM Lessons and Carols Service - ONE Service
WhatisaLessonsandCarolsservice?Besidestheobvious-lessons(scripturepassages whichtellofthepromisethatourLordwillcome)andcarols(hymnsandanthems whichreflectonthereadings),thereismuchmore!
ThisservicewasfirstheldinEngland1918.Fromthebeginning,thelessonswereread bypeoplefromthroughoutthecommunity,ofallagesandwalksoflife.Almost immediately,otherchurchesadaptedtheservicefortheirownuse.In1928,aradio broadcastoftheservicebegan,and withtheexceptionof1930-ithasbeenbroadcast annuallyeversince.ThereareLessonsandCarolsservicesforAdvent,forChristmas, andacombinationofthetwo.Thereareserviceswithfivereadings,ninereadings,or anywhereinbetween.
Thepatternandstrengthoftheservicearefromthelessons;thatiswhyitiscalled LessonsandCarolsandnotvice-versa.Churchesallovertheworldhavetheseservices everyyear.Thesimplestructureoftheservice,thesingingbyall,thebeautyofthe readingsandprayers-itisaworshippingcommunityjoyouslyawaitingthebirthofthe Saviour.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH Christmas Eve Service
5:00 PM
Candlelight Service
Join us as we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ and reflect on the Angels' Song—the joyous message of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men " (Luke 2:14).
Come experience the warmth of candlelight, the beauty of familiar carols, and the hope of Christmas as we rejoice together. Whether you are filled with joy or seeking comfort this season, there is a place for you here.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Advent 2024 Devotionals
As the Christmas season approaches, many people find themselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, often missing out on the true purpose of Advent. Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival”, is a season of waiting and spiritual preparation of Christ’s birth. One way to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ is by engaging in daily devotions.
This year we will be offering a family devotional booklet “Rejoice in Hope,” a devotional booklet for individuals, “The Word Made Flesh,” and a children’s window calendar.
Engaging with an Advent devotional booklet is a way of intentionally creating room in our hearts for the message of Christmas. By dedicating a few minutes to each day to reflect, pray, and meditate, we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas with a renewed sense of joy, purpose, and peace.
Devotional booklets will be available on Sunday, November 24. You can pick one up in the Narthex or the Gathering Space.
