IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE the season of Advent coincides with the darkest time of the year. As we move through December, each day has less light. We can wake, head to school or work, and later return home, every step of the way in the dark.

As December’s days shorten, darkness makes its presence felt. It becomes a powerful metaphor for us. At times, people describe their lives, their jobs, their relationships, their plans for the future as lost—as swallowed by darkness.

In moments like this, our faith stands ready. Help is on the way. Advent help.

When all seems bleak, Christians speak of a sacred rescue. We listen to voices like Isaiah. In his writings, the prophet promises that God, the One who sang the stars into being, will once again bring light to the world and to our lives.

The people who walked in darkness
  have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
  on them light has shined.

This year as we walk the road of December, with its hectic calendar, its excited children, and yes, its darkness, we are going to look together for the candles of God. We are going to take note of luminaria, paper bags filled with sand and light, sacred lanterns along a path that can guide us to a stable where all is calm and all is bright.

Won’t you join us? Won’t you seek the coming light with us?

See you in worship,
Scott

We gather for worship every Sunday at 9:30 am in Jones Auditorium for our Chapel Church service and at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary and on livestream.

The Advent sermon series begins on Sunday, December 1 (“Flickers of Hope,” Associate Pastor Werner Ramirez, preaching). It continues through the Fourth Sunday of Advent (“Lanterns of Love,” Senior Pastor Scott Black Johnston, preaching). All 11 am Sunday services will be available on livestream.

Our worship calendar also includes Blue Christmas, a service of meditation and contemplation, on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Our service on Sunday, Dec. 15, will feature the Children’s Christmas Pageant.

For full details on our Advent and Christmas worship services, visit our worship calendar.

Family Ministries
We kick off our lineup of events with the Advent Festival on Sunday, December 1. Parents and kids are invited for breakfast, crafts and tree-decorating at 9:30 am in the LaDane Williamson Christian Education Center.

Handel’s Messiah
The Advent concert returns for the 12th year on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7, in the Sanctuary. Tickets are on sale now for this holiday tradition from the Fifth Avenue Chamber Choir and Orchestra. The both performances will be available on livestream.

Fifth Avenue Caroling!
Join fellow members of the Fifth Avenue family as they bring beloved carols and delightful holiday classics to our friends and neighbors, all part of the Fifth Avenue Association’s Open Streets celebration.

For those of you looking to serve others this holiday season, we have several opportunities for you!

The Joe Vedella Holiday Dinner
A celebration with our homeless neighbors, is coming up on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2:00 pm in Bonnell Hall. Guests dine in Bonnell Hall, complete with table service at this three-course, fine-dining experience. Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, check in their belongings, escort them to their tables, serve as table captains, prepare and distribute the meal, and so much more! This is an annual highlight for our guests and Outreach volunteers. Register to Volunteer!

The Shelter Family Holiday Party
On Monday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 pm in the LaDane Williamson Christian Education Center, this longstanding Fifth Avenue tradition continues as we welcome children and families living in the city shelter system to a family holiday party. Volunteers are needed to welcome our guests, attend to more than 40 children, and help create an evening of merriment. The event takes place from 5:30 until 8 pm. Volunteers are needed as early as 4:30 pm. Register to volunteer!