Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure—no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.

Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org

Celebrate Christmas With Us

Christmas Services

The Longest Night, 12/21

Sunday

4:00 PM

Christmas Eve, 12/24

Wednesday

7:00 PM

<span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Art, Poetry, & Reflections</span>

Art, Poetry, & Reflections

Advent Study

Advent Study materials are available!  Read the devotional using the button below, or contact the church office for a print copy.

Use the Online Devotional
<span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">A service for those experiencing loss</span>

A service for those experiencing loss

The Longest Night

On one of the darkest nights of the year, we gather in quiet worship to name our hurts, honor our losses, and remember that Christ’s light shines even when our days feel heavy. Through scripture, prayer, music, and candlelight, we make space for God’s healing presence. Whether you are grieving, overwhelmed, or simply seeking stillness, you are welcome here. Come as you are and find comfort, hope, and the promise that the light still shines in the darkness.

<span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Celebrate the Wonder. Welcome the Light.</span>

Celebrate the Wonder. Welcome the Light.

Christmas Eve

Join us this Christmas Eve as we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus—God’s love made real among us. Whether you come filled with joy, carrying a busy season, or simply longing for a moment of peace, you’ll find a place here. Our Christmas Eve service includes beloved carols, candlelight, scripture, and a message of hope for all people. Families, children, longtime members, and first-time guests are all welcome as we lift our voices together and rejoice in the Good News: Christ is born! Come experience the beauty, warmth, and wonder of Christmas Eve at Sterling UMC. All are welcome. Come and see the light.

Resources for Reflection

Advent Resources

You can give an additional Advent/Christmas offering online!

We invite you to consider giving a special offering in addition to your usual contributions. This offering supports the many ministries of our church during one of our busiest and most impactful times of the year, allowing us to share the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ with our community.

Traditionally, this offering also helps us close any gaps in our budget as we approach the end of the year, ensuring that we can continue to serve and grow in faith together.

Your generosity makes a difference. Thank you!

Click here to download the prayer journal from Every Moment Holy.

Click here to subscribe to the 4 week journal as a reminder of the constant presence of God in the Advent Season.

 

 

Click here to subscribe to a daily devotional for the Christmas Season by Kate Bowler.

The season of Advent is upon us—a season that invites us into the tension of ‘already’ and ‘not yet,’ where we hold the fragile hope that everything broken will be made whole, that every sorrow will be met with joy, and that every deep longing will be filled with love. It’s about finding a way to sit with the messiness of life while still holding on to the promise of what’s to come.

Advent Video Resources

About our series

For those who are grieving