Advent & Christmas 2025
Luke’s Gospel begins the story of Jesus with this opening line: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor to modern readers; however, it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.” When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears—they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope?
This Advent series by A Sanctified Art, takes seriously the angels’ message and trusts that Christ’s birth truly is good news of great joy for all people. The resources look closely at the fear and terror looming in the background during the time of King Herod and invite us to consider the fears we hold now. Fear can divide and paralyze us and even be used as a tool for oppression. But what if we formed a different relationship with fear? Can we acknowledge fear without letting it rule us? Might we catalyze our fears into love and action? What if naming our fears helps us see more clearly how God is breaking in and where God is at work?
As you journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient. May you remember: hope that trembles is still hope. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.
Advent 2025 Theme
What do you fear?
Insisting on Hope this Advent
This artwork is created to go alongside all of our worship services and devotional materials. Look through these images to get a sense of this season!
This year with our Advent series, there is a wonderful devotional book for you to have. For each week there is poetry, a new song (which we will also be singing in worship), a reflection, and art work with the artist’s refection as well. In other words, it’s chocked full of all kinds of Advent goodies and you don’t want to miss it!
Pick your copy up in the narthex before at the end of November!
Pr. Lindsey has created a playlist of songs to help set the mood during Advent this year. They are an eclectic mix of styles and include both old and new songs. They focus on this season of waiting for the coming Savior!
Use this link to get connected!
Look for the Christ Child Tree in the narthex to receive your gifts to show Christ’s love. This year’s donations will support Family Promise of Gainesville. Your gift carries God’s love to others, making a difference in the lives of homeless children and their families. Place your offering in a red stocking and hang it on the tree. Take an ornament from the tree for your tree at home!
DATE: Wednesday, December 18
TIME: 6:30pm
LOCATION: ULC Sanctuary
Christmas can be hard when life feels so heavy & your heart is weighed down with grief or worry. Join this quiet, candlelit worship that holds the hope of Emmanuel alongside the chaos of the world in a unique, healing way.
DATE: Wednesday, December 24
TIME: 4:30pm
LOCATION: ULC Sanctuary
Come to this special family friendly candlelight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will gather to sing our favorite Christmas music, hear familiar scriptures, and hear the amazing story of Emmanuel, God with us!
DATE: Thursday, December 25
TIME: 10am
LOCATION: Zoom
We will continue our celebration of the Word becoming flesh as we gather together on Zoom for a mini worship. Come to read scripture, to hear a story, and the word proclaimed. Wear your pajamas, bring a fresh mug of hot cocoa, and settle into a cozy worship space together.