Christmas Programme
The Hope of Christmas Amidst the Chaos of Everyday Life
In December, the church hall at Immanuel Church will be adorned with a beautiful nativity scene. A nativity scene may appear idyllic, featuring the newborn child, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the animals. However, it was probably anything but idyllic over 2,000 years ago when God’s son was born into the world. Not many people would choose to give birth to their child
on a dirt floor in a filthy stable after a long and exhausting journey. Yet that is how it happened when God’s son entered the world. At the same time, this very scenario tells us something: We have a God who is not afraid of what is messy, chaotic, or dirty. God’s son is not born in a palace, not among heroes, and not into a happy, harmonious family. Rather, he is born in an ordinary, dirty stable, to a young mother who must have felt that
life was quite chaotic at that moment. What does this say about God? Well, it shows us that amidst the simple, the everyday, and even in the dirt – that is where the miracle happens. That is where God is.
God does not shy away from our lives, even if they may feel far from perfect. To us, who are far from ideal people, God comes. To us, the angel’s voice resounds: A Savior is born for you! There is much darkness in our time. In our world, but perhaps also in our own lives. In the midst of this, we can place our hope in the words of John 1:5: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
If there is anything that this season
offers, it is hope. The innermost essence of hope is trust. For me, it is about putting my trust in the fact that there is someone who, despite everything, holds you, me and this world in their hands. Someone who once came as a vulnerable child and who meets us in the midst of life far beyond our images and ideas.
Welcome to Advent and Christmas at Immanuel Church.
CARIN DERNULF Senior Pastor
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER
Christmas Market at Immanuel Church
Come and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with music, lotteries, fika, and lovely discoveries – all in support of a good cause. Bring family and friends and help make the world a little better together!
10.00 Immanuel Brass performing outside the church
11.00 Advent Songs
Students from Immanuel Music School
Björn Gäfvert, organ
13.00 Advent Concert
Adolf Fredrik’s Parents’ Choir, conducted by Carin Wallgren, Björn Gäfvert, organ
First Sunday of Advent SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER
11.00 Service in Swedish
Theme: A Year of Grace
Preacher: Carin Dernulf
Music: Immanuel Nova, Vox Immanuel, instrumentalists Children’s Church is open. Coffee is served after the service.
11.00 Service in Korean
11.00 Service in English
18.00 Advent Concert with Immanuel Nova
A traditional concert featuring beloved and atmospheric Advent music. Free admission. Immanuel Nova, Björn Gäfvert, organ and piano
Rebecka Gustafsson, conductor
Pictures from Immanuels
Christmas Market
December
WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER
18.00 Midweek Service
A moment of stillness, prayer, and fellowship – with no demands.
FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER
18.30 FREDA
A youth evening for everyone aged 13 and up. This time we’re going ice skating!
More information on Instagram: @immanuelunga
SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER
12–14
18.00
Lunch in Community
Free lunch open to all.
Christmas Concert with Immanuel Gospel
Have You Heard? – A musical journey through the message of Christmas.
Traditional songs in gospel style and beautifully arranged Christmas music.
Leader: Nina Tellander
Tickets: Billetto.se or at the door (180 SEK)
Second Sunday of Advent
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER
09.30 Breakfast in Community
11.00 Service in Swedish
Theme: The Kingdom of God Is Near
Preacher: Charlotte Höglund
Music: Advent Choir, Åsa Bosdotter, Martin Åsander, Jacob Molander
Children’s Church is open.
Coffee is served after the service.
11.00 Service in Korean
11.00 Service in English
Wednesday Mass. Wednesdays 18.00 in Kapellet.
Sara Stignäs, Deacon welcoming people to the Christmas Market
Immanuel Gospel
MONDAY 8 DECEMBER
Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert
19.30 Christmas Concert – 20th Anniversary! Classics and favourites from two decades. Performers: Bo Sundström, Frida Öhrn, Anders Andersson, Tomas Andersson Wij, Eric Bibb, Anna Maria Espinosa, Immanuel Nova, Viktoria Glans, Niklas Gabrielsson, Björn Gäfvert
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER
Hotel Birger Jarl’s Christmas Concert
19.30 Christmas Concert
Same programme and performers as on 8 December.
THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER
18.00 MUSIC SCHOOL: Piano Concert
Piano students from the Music School invite you to a festive concert!
Teachers: Ingrid Bergman, Lena Lidström
FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER
18.30 FREDA
Christmas gathering for teenagers (13+)
More information on Instagram: @immanuelunga
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER
11.00 Christmas Brunch for Young Adults
The last brunch of the term – perfect if you’re new in town!
17.00 Concert with Ubuntu Choir
SHINE — An African Gospel Experience. Immanuel Ubuntu Choir invites you to a powerful evening of African praise and worship!
“Arise, shine, for your light has come…”
— Isaiah 60:1
IMMANUEL SENIOR
Tuesday Gatherings – Every Tuesday at 13.00 Are you free during the day and interested in culture, theology, the church, and society? Immanuel Senior offers a varied programme, open to everyone regardless of worldview. You are warmly welcome to join the fellowship! Scan the QR code to see this autumn’s programme.
Violinists from the Music School
Victoria Glans
Ubuntu Choir.
CHRISTMAS PLAY “MOVING PICTURES” December 14 at 11.00
It’s opening night for “Moving Pictures,” showcasing Bethlehem’s own hero, King David. But the excitement is outshone by a dazzling angelic announcement — the birth of the promised Messiah in the City of David! The story shifts from Bethlehem’s shepherd-king to a greater hero taking center stage: Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Third Sunday of Advent
SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER
11.00 Service in Swedish
Theme: Prepare the Way for the Lord
Preacher: Esther Kazen
Music: Children’s Choir / Lucia Procession, Rebecka Gustafsson
Children’s Church is open.
Coffee is served after the service.
11.00 Service in Korean
11.00 Service in English
Christmas Play: “Moving Pictures”
It’s opening night for “Moving Pictures”, showcasing Bethlehem’s own hero, King David.
But the excitement is outshone by a dazzling angelic announcement — the birth of the promised Messiah in the City of David! The story shifts from Bethlehem’s shepherd-king to a greater hero taking center stage: Jesus, the Savior of the world.
18.00 Christmas Concert with the Church’s Choirs & Orchestras
Immanuel Brass, Vox Immanuel, Youth Choir, International Choir, Immanuel Big Band
MONDAY 15 DECEMBER
18.00 MUSIC SCHOOL: String Evening
Our young musicians present a varied and wintry programme suitable for the whole family.
Teachers: Jonna Inge, Emma Strömberg, Lydia Eriksson
Cello student from Immanuel Music School.
Sunday 14 December at 18.00, Christmas Concert with the church’s choirs & orchestras.
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER
18.00 MUSIC SCHOOL: Concert with Voice, Flute and Piano
Familiar pieces are mixed with new musical surprises – a wonderful lift in the Advent season.
Teachers: Ola Ottosson, Kristina Ålåker, Margareta Gäfvert
Fourth Sunday of Advent SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER
11.00 Service in Swedish
Theme: The Lord’s Mother
Preacher: Anna Berndes
Music: Björn Gäfvert & string students from the Music School
Children’s Church is open. Coffee is served after the service.
11.00 Service in Korean
11.00 Service in English
WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER
11.00 Service in Swedish Christmas Eve Music
Preacher: Carin Dernulf
The music and story of Christmas with orchestra and choir.
Director: Peter Eriksson
16–20 Christmas in Community
Open Christmas celebration with Christmas food, fika and a nativity play.
18.30 Nativity play
International Choir
THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER
09.00 Service in English
10.30 Service in Korean
After the service we share a Korean meal together.
16–20 Christmas in Community
Open Christmas celebration with Christmas food, fika and music.
18.00 Christmas Day Concert
Margareta Gäfvert, vocals
Björn Gäfvert, organ and piano
Anna Berndes, Pastor
FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER
16–20 Christmas in Community
Open Christmas celebration with Christmas food, fika and a Christmas play.
SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER
11.00 Service in Swedish
11.00 Service in Korean
11.00 Service in English
WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER
New Year’s Eve
11.00 New Year’s Service in Swedish
23.00 New Year’s Service in English
SUNDAY 4 JANUARY
11.00 New Year’s Service in Korean
prepare Christmas in Community.
Students from the Music School.
Volunteers
Christmas in Community. An open Christmas celebration for anyone who wishes to take part.
Immanuel Brass
Children and Families
CHOIR PLAY
•Every Sunday before the service, 10.15–10.50
You are warmly welcome to get to know other families in Immanuel Church. All children and parents who wish to join are invited to sing, play, and enjoy a relaxed and joyful time together — a cheerful moment for the whole family.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
•Sunday fun for all kids
Children’s Sunday School takes place during the worship services on Sundays, in English, Korean, and Swedish.
Questions about children’s activities in English?
Contact geri.lindberg@immanuelskyrkan.se
Open afternoon activities for children, families & young people
THUESDAYS 15.30 – 18.30 FOR KIDS UP TO 9 YR + FAMILIES
WEDNESDAYS 15.30–18.30 FOR YOUTH 13–18 YR
THURSDAYS 15.30–18.30 FOR KIDS 10–12 YR
Youth
HELLO YOUTH! Follow us @immanuelunga on Instagram
IMMANUEL YOUTH
•A safe place in the middle of town FREDA is a place where you as a teenager can meet new friends, have fun, hang out and have the opportunity to talk about life and faith. We meet every Friday at 6.30–10 pm.
CONFIRMATION AT IMMANUEL
• Would you like to be confirmed at Immanuel Church? We meet one weekend a month during the spring and go on a one-week camp in June. After the summer we continue our sessions and then finish the whole confirmation year with a celebration evening and the Confirmation Service.
Curious? Come to our information meeting on 4 December 2025 at 18.00! Or sign up directly for the confirmation year on our website: immanuel.se
YOUNG ADULTS
•Bible Study
For Bible studies, we meet at Kungstensgatan 17 (Immanuelkyrkan, youth room) on Tuesdays 7–9 pm, we enjoy a light meal together, dig into the Bible together, and end with prayer. For latest updates, pleace follow us @immanuelsthlm.ya on instagram
CONTACT DETAILS IMMANUEL CHURCH
Kungstensgatan 17, Stockholm, T-bana Rådmansgatan www.immanuel.se
08-587 503 00
info@immanuelskyrkan.se
@immanuelskyrkan
@immanuelskyrkan stockholm
www.youtube.com/immanuelstockholm
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO BECOME A MEMBER: immanuel.se/en/about-the-church/membership/
IS THIS CONTEXT NEW TO YOU? It can be difficult to know where or who to turn to. Do you want us to contact you? Scan the QR code below and fill in your details and we’ll be in touch. Absolutely unconditional, of course. Welcome to our community!