Join us for Advent, a season of expectant waiting and hope.
START YOUR ADVENT JOURNEY HERE
What is Advent?
“Advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” During the season of Advent, we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and watch with expectant hope for his coming again.
When does Advent begin?
The season of Advent is fixed to the four Sundays before Christmas. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29.
How many days are in Advent?
Because we mark Advent by the number of Sundays before Christmas, and Christmas falls on a different day of the week each year, it can vary! It can be as many as 28 days or as few as 22 days. In 2026, it will be 26 days.
What are some ways we can observe Advent at home?
Some families like to have their own Advent wreath at home. Others use an Advent calendar to mark the days together or use a daily Advent devotional.
Is Advent the same as the 12 Days of Christmas?
The 12 Days of Christmas come after Christmas, not before! This season of celebration culminates in Epiphany (Jan. 6), which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child,
Events & Special Services
Sundays in Advent & Christmas
SUNDAYS IN ADVENT
Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20
You’re invited to join us for worship each Sunday in Advent!
Worship is at 10:30 am in Koury Auditorium at Kenan-Flagler Business School and is also livestreamed.
SUNDAYS IN CHRISTMAS
Dec. 27 & Jan. 3
Worship is at 10:30 am; location TBA.
Christmas Eve (Dec. 24)
NOTE: We are hoping to be back in the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve! That plan is dependent on no more construction surprises and on inspections going according to plan. We’re working on a backup location, just in case. If our location changes, the times of these services may change, and we’ll let you know with as much notice as possible.
5:00 PM FAMILY SERVICE
A worship experience intended especially for children and their families, giving us the opportunity to watch the nativity story unfold before our very eyes and ring jingle bells in celebration. The Alleluia Choir and Choristers will sing, and we’ll have both regular and battery-operated candles available. This service will also be available via livestream.
8:00 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
A traditional and festive time of worship, with music led by the Chancel Choir and Percussion Ensemble. This service will also be available via livestream.
For more about our Christmas Eve services, including our special offering, click here.
Opportunities to Give
During this season, we offer several opportunities to honor your loved ones with a gift to help our neighbors near and far! Here are just a few ways you can give:
Christmas Gifts of Beauty & Bounty
It is the UPC tradition during Advent to honor and remember the people in our lives through Christmas Gifts of Beauty and Bounty. This year, all gifts will go to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services. Deadline is Wed., Nov. 25. Click here to give.
Alternative Gift Market
At the UPC Alternative Gift Market, you can make donations in honor of your loved ones that will help support our partners around the world who are working to serve and support those in need – no gift wrap required. Click here to visit the online market.
Christmas Joy Offering
This special offering of the PC(USA) helps future church leaders follow their calling through Presbyterian-related education. It also supports families of active and retired church workers when unexpected needs arise, through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. We will collect it in mid-December.
Devotional Resources
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST: There are a lot of great Advent and Christmas songs out there…more than we can sing during the season! The UPC staff has put together a playlist of some of their favorite religious/sacred songs of the season…ranging from Handel and John Rutter to James Taylor and Alanis Morissette. Click here to listen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS:
Following the Star
This online devotional is provided by d365.org with brief prompts for reflection and prayer, and instrumental music. To recieve a daily email during Advent and Christmas, click here.
Presbyterians for Earth Care
This devotional considers the themes of Advent through the lens of earth care and eco-justice.
The Season of Waiting
A (free!) daily devotional written by Kate Bowler