Advent at Apostles

The Christian year begins in anticipation. We commonly think of Advent in terms of anticipating Jesus’ birth; yet the true heart of Advent lies in preparing for his second coming. It’s a time to watch, wait, and stay awake (Mark 13). It’s a season in which we take a hard look at the darkness, injustice, and longing of the world and say with the Psalmist, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13). This rubs sorely against the way in which we’re used to spending the weeks leading up to Christmas. It will feel strange and uncomfortable to sit in lament during the early weeks of December, while the fanfare of shopping and Christmas jingles are all around us. It will feel equally strange to insist on continuing to celebrate and feast for twelve days following Christmas Day! But in this way, we follow centuries of Christians before us who knew and embraced the rhythms of sober preparation and patient waiting—rhythms we can offer to a busy and broken world.

Jesse Tree

To help lead us through Advent, we rehearse the big story of God’s redemption by reading through the major characters and events of Scripture and decorating a Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree is a tradition that helps us visualize God’s story of redemption. Isaiah depicts the family tree of Jesse, the father of King David and his heirs, having become a rotten and hollow stump (Isaiah 11:1). But out of this stump, God brings new life and restores the throne of King David by sending his Son Jesus, born of David’s line. The daily Scripture readings pair with an ornament that is hung each day on the Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree itself may take any number of forms, such as a felted silhouette or a small evergreen. You may also wish to light a candle as you pray.

Advent Resources

We have provided three resources to help us fully embrace the season of advent as a church:

The daily Scripture readings (found in the Advent Booklet or the Storybook Bible advent guide) pair with an ornament that is hung each day on the Jesse Tree.

These resources are available at the Advent Resource Table before and after worship each Sunday in December.

Advent & Christmas 2025 Schedule

Advent Week One
Sunday November 30 @ 10am // Luke 1:1-4

Advent Week Two
Sunday December 7 @ 10am // Luke 1:5-25 Tuesday December 9 @ 6:30pm // Apostles Christmas Party

Advent Week Three
Sunday December 14 @ 10am // Luke 1:26-38
Apostles Youth Christmas Movie Night @ 5pm

Advent Week Four Sunday December 21 @ 10am // Luke 1:39-56

Christmas Eve at Apostles
Wednesday December 24 @ 4pm // Family Service with Childcare provided for 3 and under

Christmas Eve Service at Apostles

Join us for a beautiful evening of music and storytelling as we celebrate the Christmas season together. Through beloved carols and readings that trace the story of Christmas, we’ll reflect on the hope and joy this season brings. This family-friendly event welcomes everyone—whether this story is familiar or new to you! Childcare is provided for ages 3 and under, and we’ll enjoy treats and hot cocoa on the patio after the service.

Artwork: Praying Hands | Albrecht Dürer | 1508 | pen-and-ink drawing