Advent & Christmas 2024

God’s final word for us is joy. Advent is the season leading up to Christmas that listens for the good news of this great joy. It is a season for remembering God’s promises of justice in chaotic times – God’s promises of light in dark days – God’s promises of rescue, comfort and restoration. The starting point for all of this goodness is a manger in Bethlehem, where the Word became flesh to live among us.

Let’s journey together this season to that sign and discover the good news of great joy that will be for all people. On this page you will find opportunities to gather with others this season, links to our study guides for groups (Connect Guides, updated weekly), and links to our app and other studies that offer daily or weekly readings.

Personal Advent Journey

  • Download the West Side App for daily readings or follow any of the links below for other excellent personal studies available this year that guide us through Advent and teach about Jesus. If you prefer a printed Advent devotional those are also available at the church in our Welcome Center.
  • “Born to Dwell” on the WordGo App
  • “Advent” daily readings on The Bible App
  • The Bible Project has an excellent series of word studies for Advent
Advent Connect Guide

Visual and Artistic Advent Explorations

  • If you or anyone in your house likes to color and pray, these Advent Prayer Templates from Praying in Color are a lovely way to engage in time with Jesus this season.
  • “The Advent Project” is an online Advent Calendar published by Biola University’s Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts. You can follow online or have daily reflections delivered to your email inbox. The theme this year is “The Vision of Isaiah: Praying with the Poet Prophet of Advent.” Each day of the Advent Project features a Scripture passage, a devotion written by a member of the Biola community, a work of visual art, a poem, and a piece of music. 

Families

Here are a few resources as you observe Advent in your home:
  • This Advent Wreath weekly guide is a simple guide for families based on the themes of the candles for each week. 
  • Wycliffe Bible Translators has a lovely Advent devotional, “The Weary World Rejoices” that explores the story of Jesus’ birth through the stories of those who were there. 
  • Do you have a Nativity Set? “Invited to the Stable” is a 6 day Advent devotional published by the Christian Standard Bible designed to be used with the figures in your Nativity Set.

December 17

Lessons & Carols

Christmas Brunch

Join us at 10:00am as we joyfully combine services for one special morning worship of Lessons and Carols.  This service of timeless Christmas carols will include WSPC’s choir, WSPC instrumentalists and musicians from the Northwest Symphony Orchestra.

Following the Lessons and Carols service, join us
at 11:15am for a Christmas Brunch!

December 21, 7pm

Longest Night Service

The service of the Longest Night is a worship service for those carrying heavy burdens and the people who love and wish to pray for them. Those gathered will have the opportunity to pray, light candles, sing, or simply sit in silence and await the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas.

December 24

Christmas Eve

10am | Morning Worship Service

5pm | Family Service
Join us for family worship and our “on the spot” Nativity. Children will receive their costume and part on arrival in worship as all of us participate in the retelling of the Christmas story.

7pm | Candlelight Service
We will gather to worship in a traditional candlelight service.

During the month of December, we will worship all together at 10am. Join us for many special events for Advent and Christmas.

December 1, 11:15am

Hanging of the Greens

Come lend a hand after the second service to help decorate the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons!

December 7, 11:15am

Women's Christmas Coffee

Gather at Pastor Laurie's for Christmas coffee as we reflect on Advent and friendship and look ahead to the advent season.

December 8, 11:15am

Lessons & Carols

Join us for a special morning of Lessons and Carols as we read and sing the Christmas story as told in the Bible.

December 15, 10am

Handel's Messiah

Join West Side's Choir, soloists and musicians from the Northwest Symphony Orchestra in worship for an intimate Handel's Messiah. This service will focus on the Christmas message from the Messiah and its theme of hope and joy.

December 15, 11:15am

All Church Brunch

Following the service, join us in Howell Auditorium for an all-church Christmas Brunch!

December 18, 7pm

Longest Night Service

The service of the Longest Night is a worship service for those carrying heavy burdens this season and the people who love and wish to pray for them. Those gathered for this service will have the opportunity to pray, sing, or simply sit in silence and await the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas.

December 24, 5pm

Christmas Eve
Family Service

Join us for family worship and our “pop-up Nativity.” Children will receive their costumes and parts on arrival to worship as all of us participate in the retelling of the Christmas story.

December 24, 7pm

Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service

We will gather to worship with a traditional candlelight service. All ages welcome.

December 29, 10sm

Christmas Worship & Carol Sing