Advent at Apostles

Looking outside, the days are getting shorter, and light is becoming scarce. While the busyness of the end of the year is upon us, there is still an innate desire to slow down deep within our bones. The quiet, the external darkness, encourages us to turn inwards. During this winter season, we take time to examine our hearts, to know where we are encountering God.

Advent is a season of preparation. We recall the longing of God’s people for Christ’s first coming as we anticipate His second coming. The whole story of Scripture allows us to see God's faithfulness throughout all time. From the Old Testament promises to the New Testament fulfillment, we remember Christ’s earthly ministry as Immanuel—God with us. Today, in the fellowship of the Church, we continue to wait for Jesus’ return.

In this anticipation, we prepare ourselves. We orient our lives around Him. Know that however you are feeling as you enter this holiday season—you are welcome here. If you are joyful and expectant, your joys point to our eager anticipation for Christ. If you are tired and longing, know that creation groans with you for the redemption of our world.

So we, your pastors at Apostles, want to invite you into a way of ordering your life toward Christ. We want you to know the story of Scripture, and God’s faithfulness over all time. We hope that these practices of prayer and remembrance continue beyond Advent, and carry you through your daily lives.

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 29 @ 10am // Family Service // Isaiah 64:1-9a

Advent Week Two
Sunday December 6 @ 10am // Wednesday December 9 @ 6:30pm // Apostles Christmas Party

Advent Week Three
Sunday December 13 @ 10am //
Apostles Youth Christmas Movie Night @ 5pm

Advent Week Four Sunday December 20 @ 10am //

Christmas Eve at Apostles
Friday December 24 @ 4pm // Family Service

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! We’ll enjoy treats and hot cocoa on the patio after the service.

Artwork: Henry Ossawa Tanner, “The Annunciation,” Oil on canvas, 57 × 71¼ in., 1898.