Advent & Christmas

Christmas Marketplace | November 23 | Meade Room

The Gift Shop Christmas Market is back! On Sunday, November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can once again revel in the Christmas shopping extravaganza at the long-cherished annual event where so many of us jumpstart our holiday shopping with our popular holiday cards, gifts, and décor.

Advent I | Sunday, November 30 

Bringing Advent Home | Auditorium

Bring Advent Home by creating an Advent wreath at 9:00 a.m. in the Auditorium! You will leave with a wreath for your household, four candles, and materials to help you wait patiently (or impatiently) for Christ’s birth. Bring branches to share! If you would like to help with set up or clean up, please email Ariel. We will not have Sunday School. 

Advent II | Sunday, December 7 

Cookies and Cocoa Bags | Meade Room | 9:00 a.m.

We invite you to spread holiday cheer to our fellow parishioners and neighbors in Alexandria who are struggling in difficult times. On December 7, we will pack gift bags with cocoa and treats to give to our Lazarus Food Pantry guests, Meals on Wheels recipients, and Carpenter’s Shelter guests to bring a little sweetness and love. We will also write cards to our homebound parishioners that will be delivered with the poinsettias on December 21. 

A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols | Historic Church | 5:00 p.m.

Please join us for our 20th annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. The combined choirs of Christ Church will be joined by readers from throughout the community, a brass quintet, and guest organist, Dr. Daniel Aune. The service will include the premiere of a newly commissioned anthem by Jessica Nelson, Director of Music at the Cathedral of St Andrew in Jackson, Mississippi. The doors to the church will open at 4:30 for seating. Childcare will be available in the nursery and a festive reception will follow in the Auditorium. Bring a friend to join you in celebrating the marvelous music and stories from Advent and Christmas.

Advent III | Sunday, December 14

Newcomer Gathering | Meade Room | 9:00 a.m.

If you are new to Christ Church in the last year, please join us in the Meade Room for a cup of coffee and the opportunity to talk with the rector and members of the vestry and staff. We look forward to getting to know you better and answering any questions you have about life in this community of faith. 

Comfort Ye: An Advent Service for a Difficult Time | 5:00 p.m.

For many, this is a season of mixed emotions, including sorrow and grief. In this service, we will acknowledge our sadness and offer prayers for loss then follow by sharing the Eucharist together as a sign of our eternal hope. 

Advent IV | Sunday, December 21

Help Spread Holiday Cheer – Deliver a Poinsettia 

Help share the joy of Christmas by delivering a poinsettia to a fellow parishioner who is homebound and unable to attend services. 

Deck the Halls of Christ Church!

After the 10:00 a.m. service, we need your help with getting the church all decorated for Christmas!

Children's Christmas Pageant & Yuletide Feast | 5:00 p.m.

Please join us for the annual Christmas Pageant at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21. We’ll hear again the story of Jesus’s birth as retold by the children of the parish. The festive Yuletide Feast will follow at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. All are welcome to enjoy this beloved tradition. If you would like to help with putting together the Pageant set or preparing the Yuletide Feast with esteemed parish chefs, please contact Ariel.