Advent & Christmas 2025
“That’s Impossible”
Advent at Muhlenberg Advent is the season of human incredulity and divine audacity - a holy tension we enter together in worship. This Advent, we will hear stories that begin with our disbelief: flames that should consume, bones too dry to rise, promises too bold to trust, a love too wondrous to become flesh. Yet in each story, God dares to do the impossible. As we gather in prayer and song, at the table and in silence, we are invited to bring our own incredulity - the doubts, weariness, and limits we carry in the face of all the needs of the world - and place them before the audacious love of God. In Word and Sacrament, we learn again to wonder: to let the impossible possibility of God take root in us. Through these Advent days, may our worship become a quiet act of courage, allowing us to believe that light will return, that hope can be reborn, and that God still makes a way where there was none.
Advent Devotions
Enrich your Advent experience and foster a deeper connection with God through the use of a daily Advent devotional. Devotionals offer a structured way to set aside time for prayer, which can be difficult amid the holiday rush. Many find a daily devotional during Advent to be a spiritual anchor, providing a moment of stillness, reflection, and meaning. Devotional booklets will be available in the Gathering Area beginning November 23. There are three offerings this year: A Grand Miracle for adults; Heads Up The Lord Is Near for teens; and Waiting in Wonder for families. You’re invited to choose one and make use of it throughout the season!
Wednesday Evening Taizé
Taizé: Waiting and Watching
Wednesdays in Advent (December 3, 10 & 17), 7:00 pm
Gather for a time of contemplation, music and reflection. Music from the Taizé and Iona communities will illuminate a time of Scripture and reflection of our weekly Advent themes of “That’s Impossible.” This service will also be live-streamed, so if you can’t make it in person, be sure to tune in for this beautiful service. Take a breath, set aside the rush and worry of the season, and join us for a few meditative moments of waiting and watching for the Messiah.
Advent-ure Sunday
Sunday, December 7, 12:30 – 2:30 pm*
That’s right, Advent-ure Sunday is at a *new time this year, so that our celebration can also include a lunch! Join us in the Muhlenberg Activities Center (MAC) for lunch and a lot of Advent fun — including crafts such as wreath and Chrismon making and making your own Advent wreath candles! Wreath forms and greens are provided. If you have questions or want more information, please email Children’s Minister Ashley Saunders (saunders@muhlenberglutheran.org).
Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, December 14, 9:45 – 10:30 am
All ages gather together to adorn our church with Advent and Christmas decorations, including the Chrismon tree and our congregational nativity sets. Learn about the symbols and stories of familiar Christmas decorations like wreaths, poinsettias, and holly and ivy while helping get our space ready for Christmas! 5 Christmas Caroling
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 14, 12:15 pm
Join an enthusiastic group — young to not so young — to help spread Advent/Christmas cheer to our brothers and sisters who can’t join us in worship. Impressive singing ability is not required, just a willingness to make noise with spirit! All are welcome! We need YOU and your family — the more the merrier. Meet in Wayland Hall at 12:15 pm for a light meal before caroling.
Youth Christmas Party
Friday, December 19, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Middle and high school youth are invited to dinner and a Christmas party at Pastor Lauren’s house! Wear your favorite tacky Christmas sweater and join us for Christmas games, decorating cookies, and a White Elephant gift exchange. (No spending money on gifts! Your gift must be something you create or already have at home!) RSVP to Pastor Alex (zuber@muhlenberglutheran.org) by Tuesday, December 16, if you plan to attend or have any questions.
Longest Night Worship
Sunday, December 21, 7:00 pm at Muhlenberg
The longest night of the year, December 21, has become a meaningful time to recognize the darkness of grief and loss in our lives that long for the light of Christ. The Harrisonburg Community Longest Night service brings together eight congregations (Presbyterian, Mennonite, Methodist, UCC, and Lutheran) for a service of Word, song, prayer, and Holy Communion. The worship provides an opportunity to be honest about our pain and be reminded of Christ’s light that shines into dark places. This year, the service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 725 S. High Street. Join in person or via livestream.
Local and Global Advent Giving Opportunities
The Local and Global Outreach Ministry is offering our congregation an opportunity to help our neighbors during the Advent season. Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent, November 30 and continuing until Sunday, December 21, we will be collecting items for the residents of Gemeinschaft Home. Gemeinschaft is a residential program in our community that offers counseling, job coaching, a model for daily living, and shelter for individuals who have recently exited incarceration.
The following is the suggested collection schedule. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 30 please place items in the donation bins labeled for Advent Giving in the Gathering Area.
Week 1 (Nov. 30) ~ Razors, full-size shaving creams, bar soap
Week 2 (Dec. 7) ~ Toothbrushes, full-size toothpastes, full size shampoo
Week 3 (Dec. 14) ~ Composition books and pens (these are used in their group sessions)
Week 4 (Dec. 21) ~ Hats & gloves (dark colors only), socks, flannel shirts (all size large or extra large)
Like many nonprofit organizations, Gemeinschaft has suffered from the loss of funding. If you wish to give a monetary gift in addition to or in place of the above mentioned items, please place it in the offering plate with “Gemeinschaft Advent Giving” in the memo line. For more information about this opportunity or to become part of this active ministry team, please contact Karen Thomsen (kethomsen25@gmail.com) or Vicki Heitsch (vaah@earthlink.net).
Poinsettias
You can choose to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia. Your poinsettia(s) will be used to help adorn our Sanctuary throughout the Christmas season. Following the last service on Christmas Eve, you may take your plant home! To purchase a poinsettia, sign up by December 7 at the Connection Center or use this link: https://forms.gle/sjaPKDd4giiKL2A3 (also available on our website). The cost per plant is $20. Place your check in the offering plate or mail it to the church office and note “Poinsettias” on the memo line.
Community Christmas Dinner
Thursday, December 25, 3:30 pm
We will host our fourth annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day in the Muhlenberg Activities Center (MAC). Christmas should be a time for joy and celebration but far too many in our community face loneliness and hunger on this most special day. Hosting this Community Christmas Dinner gives us the opportunity to know our neighbor. This year, we open our doors for guests at 3:30 pm with dinner served at 4:00 pm. Please join us for an evening of holiday-themed games, singing, great food and fellowship. A sign-up Genius will be available after Thanksgiving with ways you can be a part of this event either before Christmas Day and/or on Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve Worship
Wednesday, December 24
Beginning at 3:15 pm - Christmas Photos ~ Come early to get your photo taken by the tree! Your free photo will be printed and ready for you after the 4:00 pm service. At this time, kids will also have the opportunity to pick up quiet activities that can be done during worship and a small snack. Plus, enjoy preservice music and visit with friends before worship begins at 4:00 pm.
4:00 pm Family Service
Join us for an energetic worship for all ages. This service includes easy-to-sing hymns, an interactive telling of the Christmas story, a meaningful reflection, the sharing of Holy Communion, special music from our children’s choir and youth ensemble, and a candlelit Silent Night (with battery operated candles for our younger kids). *PLUS - this year, all kids and youth will have a part to play in our special nativity reading and presentation!* The nursery will be staffed for this service.
7:00 pm Traditional Service (in person and online)
Gather for a rich liturgical service led by choir and organ. This service includes favorite Christmas carols, a full sermon, Holy Communion, beautiful anthems, and a candlelit Silent Night. The nursery will be staffed during this service, and the entire service will also be livestreamed.
10:00 pm Late Service
Welcome Christ in the darkness through this quiet, intimate, reflective, and joy-filled service. This service includes music led by the handbell choir and solo musicians, congregational song, a full sermon, Holy Communion, and a candlelit Silent Night. It’s a “Midnight Mass” a few hours before midnight!