Advent 2025
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen.”
—Hebrews 11:1
Each Sunday of Advent, we light a new candle on the Advent Wreath. The four candles around the wreath represent Hope, Peace, Joy and Love with the white candle at the center, representing Jesus Christ. This year we focus on the candle of Hope. Our faith is rooted in hope for the salvation of the world. It is not a wish but a promise–a promise that God is with us always.
We are living into the promise of hope this season. We experience it in our worship, music and prayer. We feel it when we gather together in fellowship. We share that hope when we volunteer our time and talents in the community. We bring hope to those in need through our giving. We invite you to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons by participating in any of the events listed below.
If you’re celebrating with family and friends on Christmas morning, remember that you can access the worship services LIVE, or through the week ahead on these platforms: Our Facebook Page, YouTube, on the website, or the First UMC app.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Wednesday, December 24
4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service
A “No Muss, No Fuss” Christmas Pageant for all ages. Costumes will be available at the door for all children to participate. In the Sanctuary (In-person and online.)
8 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Join us for a traditional candlelight service, accompanied by the Chancel Choir, organ, and harp. This meaningful worship offers a serene moment of beauty and reverence during the Christmas season. In the Sanctuary. (In-person and online.)
11 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion Service
Join us for a contemplative Christmas Eve Service as we celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. We will reflect upon the mystery of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh, in song, prayer, candlelight, and the sharing of Holy Communion. Led by Rev. Greg Batson, with Tania Batson, solo; Thomas Batson, organ; and Wesley and Daniel Batson reading.
In the Sanctuary. (In-person only.)
Advent Devotional – 2025
The 2025 Advent Devotional booklet will be available in print and online on the first Sunday of Advent, November 30. The devotional is written by First UMC congregants and provides a wonderful opportunity to share Advent with family and friends. This year we examine scriptures and we do a deeper meditation on the first candle – Hope. The collection of writings is offered as a framework for your own Advent ponderings. The writers are a diverse group of people, though all are from this congregation. Click to read/download the 2025 Advent Devotional
To sign up to receive Advent Devotion daily emails, click the button below.
First UMC 2025 Advent Devotional – December 22, 2025 – First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica
If you missed the First UMC Music Department’s Annual Christmas Concert in person, you may now watch the video above! This year’s musical celebration features Arthur Honegger’s Une Cantate de Noël with the South Bay Children’s Choir—along with the return of our beloved “Carols, Etc.”
Enjoy the glorious sounds of the Chancel Choir and guest singers, the Los Angeles Concert Orchestra, and the South Bay Children’s Choir, all under the direction of James Smith.
ADVENT Events and Services
Advent Brunch
Following the Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 21, everyone is warmly invited to our Advent Brunch, hosted by Fellowship and Events. Enjoy seasonal crafts, joyful caroling with members of ACT, and a special visit from Santa! Come share in the fun and celebrate the spirit of the season together. A light brunch will be served.
Sunday, December 21, after worship in Simkins Hall
First UMC Creche
We invite you to our courtyard to view our Nativity scene, or creche, with the Holy Family–Joseph and Mary, and the animals that shared their shelter and warmth. We celebrate God’s love that comes to be with us, bringing peace, hope and joy for all. The display will be on view through December.
Santa Monica Nativity Scenes
The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes telling the life of Jesus Christ are on display now through the holidays at 2311 Main Street. First UMC has been a part of the 70-year-old tradition for many years. We thank Chuck Kearsley, Jon Ward and Adam Guerrero for their work setting up the First UMC scene.
Angel Tree Project
Angel Tree is back for its 22nd year, and is again being chaired by church member, Chris Ruud. This church/community project provides new household items to families of Family Place/Upward Bound House with new things for Christmas. Chris is excited that she has a table in the Alcove after worship to take sign-ups. If you worship online, or can’t make it to church, please call or email Chris (310 393.3255, chr10is@yahoo.com) for info on what you can do to help.
Sundays, Nov 30, & Dec 7 & 14 in the Alcove (gifts due Dec 14)
Advent Bible Study
Our Advent study on Amy-Jill Levine’s new book, A Child is Born, continues with in-person classes with Rev. Larry Young in the Fireside Room at 11:15 a.m. and Mondays on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. with Bill Buxton. (Zoom code and book link on the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/advent-bible-study) Study books may be purchased at the Welcome table during coffee hour. This study recognizes that the Old Testament is a record of the faith into which Jesus was born; and how God was at work in Old Testament times throws light on Jesus’ coming.
Sundays: Nov 30, and Dec 7/14, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Fireside Room
Mondays: December 1/8/15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Alternative Christmas: In-Person and Online
Christmas and gift-giving go together. The tradition started when the Magi came to the manger with gold, myrrh, and frankincense to laud the birth of Jesus. In the present day, gift-giving often seems to exist only for the benefit of retailers and other entrepreneurs. Each Advent, through the Alternative Christmas Fair, Missions Council carefully selects several local and global mission projects each year, giving us the chance to take “trade” out of tradition and to return to the spirit of gift. Starting today after worship, you may make a donation as a gift to a friend or loved one, and send a card announcing your gift. View this year’s missions at the Alternative Christmas Fair on the website:
www.santamonicaumc.org/alt-christmas25
Sundays: Nov 30, December 7, 14, 21 after worship in Simkins Hall
Walk the Labyrinth / Chapel Open for Prayers
The Labyrinth is open every first Friday of the month from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., in Simkins Hall. If you’ve never walked the Labyrinth before, there are printed instructions to help with your walking meditation. For those unable to walk, we have finger labyrinths. A finger labyrinth is similar to a full sized labyrinth you would walk except it is on a much smaller and more portable scale. The First UMC Chapel will also be open for prayers that day from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, December 5, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Simkins Hall and the Chapel
Spirit Sisters Advent Lunch/ Meditation
The Spirit Sisters, led by Pastor Dorothy Bimber Worley, invite all women to their Christmas Lunch/Advent Meditation. Celebrate the beginning of the season with song, meditation, lunch, and a gift exchange. $15 for food & beverages. Please bring a gently used or new gift for our Christmas Game. RSVP to Pastor Dorothy at: (626)826-8301.
Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fireside Room
Preschool Christmas Concert
The First UMC Preschool is excited to have the Preschool Christmas Concert back in the Sanctuary this year! All are welcome to watch the adorable Preschoolers perform their holiday songs.
Friday, December 12, 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Messy Church – Christmas Around the World
Through games and crafts, storytelling and song, food and fun, we will explore the Christmas story and the birth of baby Jesus. We will close our time with a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by church members and shared together in community. In Simkins Hall.
Saturday, December 13, 4 – 6 p.m. in Simkins Hall
Blue Advent: A Contemplative Worship Service
While the Advent/Christmas season is known as a time of joy, merriment, and excited expectation it can also include feelings of fear, grief, loneliness, or maybe just the need to step away from relentless cheer. Our lives are complex. Advent and Christmas can be too. The Blue Advent service, led by Rev. Keri Olsen Paget and the Spiritual Formation Counsel, is designed to hold the complexity of the season with gentle grace while in community. Come pray, sing, and worship God-With-Us remembering that through Christ grief and fear dance with gratitude and hope. In-person only.
Saturday, December 14, 4 p.m. in the Chapel
Poinsettia Dedications
Beautiful poinsettias will grace our sanctuary for the December 24, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family service, the 8 p.m. Candlelight Service, and the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion Service. Order at the Sunday Welcome Table or on the website. Each plant is $15, and may be picked up after any of the Christmas Eve services.
Deadline to order is Tuesday, December 16
December Mid-Week Recital
First UMC is pleased to present the Online December Mid-Week Recital, featuring Meagan Martin, mezzo soprano; Victoria Kirsch, piano. Program: Jane Austen at 250: A Musical Celebration. Martin and Kirsch present a musical celebration of the beloved British author Jane Austen, who was born nearly 250 years ago to the day on December 16, 1775.
How to watch: • Facebook Live • YouTube Live • Website – www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• The App – download the app at the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM
Wednesday, December 19, 12:10 p.m. Livestream
Available to watch anytime afterwards on the above platforms.