2025
Advent and Christmas
Advent at Good Shepherd
For more than fifteen centuries, Christians have kept the weeks of Advent as sacred time marked by prayer, fasting, and hopeful expectation. The word Advent, drawn from the Latin adventus, means “coming.” It is a time to remember God’s faithfulness and await His coming again—a way of leaning forward, not only toward Bethlehem, but toward the promised renewal of all things.
We have a variety of events and resources to invite you into that ancient rhythm of hope and promise.
RESOURCES
Events
All events are open to the public.
ADVENT WREATHS | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 | 4:30pm
Join us for this community event as we make Advent wreaths to enrich our season. Bring clippings and gather with us in the Parish Hall. Advent candles will be available for purchase.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 | 6:00pm
Stay after you make your Advent Wreath as we light our outdoor parish Christmas tree. This is a beautiful, short liturgy with carols and hot chocolate - an evening you don’t want to miss!
LESSONS AND CAROLS | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 6:00pm
Lessons & Carols began in England over 100 years ago. The service was designed to bring hope and joy to those whose lives were forever changed by the First World War by tracing God's salvation history in a simple but beautiful format. This is one of the most beloved services in the Anglican tradition.
ADVENT PAGEANT | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 8:30am
Our children lead us in a joyful retelling of the Christmas story complete with shepherds, angels, and enough animals to start a zoo. This beloved tradition captures the wonder of the Nativity through the eyes of our youngest members. Arrive early to find a seat for this heartwarming service - it's one of the highlights of the year!
YOUTH GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The youth group will have their own special Christmas celebration complete with caroling!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Experience wonder and belonging this Christmas as we worship Emmanuel—God with us.
Christmas Eve
4:00pm* | 7:00pm* | 9:00pm
*Nursery available
Christmas Day
10:00am
We encourage you to make this prayer part of your Advent discipline.