Advent and Christmas
We celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and watch with expectant hope for his coming again.
Beginning November 30, 2025
Worship Services in Advent
First Sunday of Advent
8:30 AM in the Chapel and 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online
Sacrament of Communion
Rev. Olivia Patterson, preaching
Begin the season with the lighting of the Advent candles.
December 7, 2025
Advent Lessons and Carols
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online (Prelude begins at 10:45 AM)
We anticipate the celebration of Christ’s coming into the world with a festive service of Advent Lessons & Carols, led by choirs of adults, youth, children, and handbells with brass and organ. The 8:30 AM service in the Chapel is the traditional service at that time with Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt, preaching.
December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
8:30 AM in the Chapel
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online
Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward, preaching
At the conclusion of the 11:00 AM service, our children will present a short retelling of the Christmas story.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Service of Lament & Hope
7:30 PM in the Sanctuary
We continue our Advent tradition of acknowledging that all is not merry and bright. Grief, pain and despair shroud our world in darkness, yet Christ’s light shall shine within and among us. This service will honor that darkness and bear witness to that light.
Festival Sunday
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online (Prelude begins at 10:45 AM)
Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward, preaching
The Westminster Choir, Choristers, Ringers & Brass lead us in joyful celebration. The 8:30 AM service in the Chapel is the traditional service at that time.
Christmas Eve Services
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online
Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt, preaching
A traditional service featuring congregational singing and preaching.
4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & online
Led by Rev. Jacob Bolton
A candlelight service with children and youth liturgists, interactive storytelling, and congregational singing.
8:00 PM in the Sanctuary & online
Rev. Larry Hayward, preaching
A candlelight service of Christmas Lessons & Carols with choir, string quartet and organ. A prelude will begin 15 minutes prior to the service.
11:00 PM in the Chapel
Rev. Olivia Patterson, preaching
A simple, quiet, and intimate candlelight service with communion.
Mission & Service
Alternative Giving Bazaar
Sunday, December 14
Share gifts with loved ones that help those in need and donate to the agencies and projects supported by our local, national and international missions committees, including the United Orphanage and Academy in Kenya.
Christmas Flowers Mission Project
Make your dedication by Sunday, December 14
Honor or memorialize loved ones with a dedication to the Christmas Flowers Mission Project. In addition to providing flowers in the Sanctuary during the Christmas services, donations will provide Christmas gift cards to seniors without kin at the Ladray Building, a low income housing unit managed by the city of Alexandria. No minimum/maximum donation required. Please mark your gift for “Christmas Flowers.”
Christmas Joy Offering
This PC(USA) Offering is shared by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families; and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. Remember our support to these two vital services as we seek to honor every child of God this Christmas season. Please mark your gift for “Christmas Joy Offering.”
Christian Formation & Congregational Life
Advent Wreath & Graham Cracker Manger Scene Experience
Sunday, November 30 at 10:00 AM on the 3rd Floor
We begin the season with activities to help us remember to pay attention to the joy, anticipation and wonder of the season: Advent wreath-making, make-your-own graham cracker manger, and more. This event is also open to those young-at-heart: anyone in the congregation is welcome to join us!
Boxwood Workshop
Mon, Dec 1 & Tue, Dec 2 | 9:30 AM-noon or 7:30-10 PM in Fellowship Hall
Come to one session or all four to make boxwood wreaths, centerpieces, tabletop trees, candlestick arrangements, kissing balls, and more. Cost of making items from $20-$50. Extra materials, bows made to order. Email Madeline Ramsey at crafts@wpc-alex.org to reserve or with questions.
Advent Devotional
Read online or pick up a paper copy at the church
Use this weekly devotional to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s coming into the world. Written by the staff and members of Westminster, experience Advent through Scripture, art, and prayer. Sign up on the website to receive each week’s devotion by email.
