Advent Worship 2025
Throughout this Advent season, we turn the page – not only in Scripture, but in our hearts. Each week, we “dust off” another Gospel, opening its unique telling to Jesus’ story. Some pages hold manger scenes; some hold angels and songs; one holds only the echo of ancient promise. But each page invites us into wonder – the kind that wakes us up, the kind that restores our hope, our peace, our joy, and our love. Join us as we wait, watch, and welcome Christ anew.
November 30, Week 1 – HOPE (Mark)
Mark’s Gospel opens not with a manger, but a wilderness. No angels, no shepherds – just the bold announcement that this is “the beginning of the good news.” This week, we turn the page to wonder at how hope rises even in barren places. Mark invites us to expect God where we least expect anything at all.
December 7, Week 2 – PEACE (Matthew)
Matthew begins with a list of names – stories of outsiders, risk-takers, dreamers, and people God used in surprising ways. Through Joseph’s quiet courage and God’s steady presence, Matthew shows us that peace is something formed over time. This week, we turn the page to wonder at how God’s peace threads through generations.
December 14, Week 3 — JOY (Luke)
Luke gives us the most musical birth narrative – Mary’s Magnificat, Elizabeth’s greeting, the angels’ Gloria, the shepherds’ stunned wonder. Joy rises from ordinary places and unlikely people. This week, we turn the page to wonder at a joy strong enough to shake the world awake.
December 21, Week 4 — LOVE (John)
John steps back to the dawn of all things. Before Bethlehem, before shepherds, before Mary or Joseph—there was the Word. Love itself becomes flesh and lives among us. This week, we turn the page to wonder at a love vast enough to hold the universe and intimate enough to dwell in us. Christmas Sunday! AHCC Choir, brass, and orchestra lead the congregation in festive renditions of familiar and beloved Christmas Carols!