Advent and Christmas 2025
November 23
Giving Tree
There will be a “tree” set up in the Narthex with gift tags on it as well as virtual tags on Sign Up Genius starting on Sunday, November 23. Tags will be available till November 30. Each child will receive three gifts – two articles of clothing and one toy, book, game or gift card. Once again, if you or your family want to purchase all three gifts for a child, you will have that option. Remember to indicate on the sign-ups which tag number/letter you select so that the gift goes to the correct child.
There is always great anticipation around the Giving Tree in our community. We hope you will join us again in making this Christmas a season of hope and love for many families in the City and Town of Essex and Westford.
Update Dec. 11th: The Giving Tree is done! Thanks so much to the volunteers that organized this beloved tradition and all of the generous shoppers that fulfilled the children’s wishes. This year we were able to help 54 kids in 25 families. Our church family is amazing!
Decorate the Sanctuary
After the second service the Deacons will be decorating the Sanctuary for the Advent/Christmas season. You are welcome to join them in the fun! Many hands make light work, and it is wonderful to see our Sanctuary adorned with the wreaths, garlands and ribbons.
December 14
First Service at 8:30 am
A BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE – A TIME FOR HEALING
The Blue Christmas service acknowledges that Christmas is one of the hardest times of the year. Christmas’ emphasis on family, joy, giving, and good cheer can be difficult for those who have experienced death, broken relationships, depression, illness, unemployment, and addictions. This Blue Christmas service recalls the darkness the Israelites went through as they waited for the Messiah and reminds us that through the darkness God is there with care, love and an abiding presence AND offers us a chance for healing.
Second Service at 10:15 am
This service will feature the annual Christmas Pageant that will be presented by the children and youth of our church family. The Joyful Noise Children’s Choir will perform two songs during this service.
Update Dec. 15th: Below is the video from the second service. It was a wonderful service and the pageant was absolutely delightful. If you want to skip right to the pageant, it starts at 41:07 in the video.
December 21
Single Service at 10:00 am
In addition to lighting the Advent candle of Love, this service will feature a cantata performance by the Sanctuary Choir. The cantata is titled “Candles & Carols” and it includes narration and a medley of Christmas Carols that you know and love.
Christmas Eve Services
Family & Children of All Ages Service – 5:00 pm
In-Person and Online
Our children’s heads are filled with sugar plums and presents, Saint Nicholas, and family rituals of fun, love and joy. Our 5pm service is geared to them as guests from another time and age tell the story in a unique way and guide us all in the singing of carols, praying for those whom we love and lighting of candles. Our entire staff will be sick and out of commission and replaced by some interesting characters. Come and enjoy this tradition and be sure to invite the family down the street looking for something to do.
Lessons & Carols – 9:00 pm
Pre-Service Concert – 8:30 pm
In-Person and Online
Pre-Service Concert ~ 8:30pm ~~ Lessons and Carols ~ 9pm This is our traditional service of Lessons & Carols. We start with some incredible music from our choirs and end by spreading Christ’s light to the entire congregation and the world. In between the concert and the spreading of Christ’s light, we hear the story and sing the carols. Come and remember your own childhood and those who are no longer here but singing to the glory of God right next to us and in our hearts.
Lessons, Carols and Holy Communion – 11:00 pm
In-Person and Online
There is something perfect about singing to God’s glory for the entrance of the divine son into our world and lighting the candle that represents his entrance right at midnight of the anniversary when he came. Finally @ First leads this service with great music while we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We revel in welcoming Christ into our lives through the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. All is beautiful as we all reflect on Christ’s entrance and presence in our lives. The service ends at the stroke of midnight. What better way of ending the day.
December 28
Single Service – Carol Sing – 10:00 am
The Christmas season is busy with travel, family events, friend gatherings, and activities in schools, concert halls, and civic occasions. It’s all good but sometimes these things draw us away from participating in the ageless church events that actually define the season. This single worship service will feature a carol sing, stuffie blessing, and brunch after service. Pajamas acceptable!