✦ Advent & Christmas at Harrison — Christmas Eve services at 5, 7 & 11 PM. See all events

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Advent & Christmas at Harrison · 2026

Gather Here

this Season

From the first Sunday of Advent to candlelight on Christmas Eve, there’s a place for you here — whether you’ve been part of Harrison for years or this is your first time through our doors.

Luminaries lining the walkway to Harrison’s steeple at dusk on Christmas Eve

New to Advent?

A season to slow down and make room

Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. For centuries, Christians have used this time not to rush ahead to the celebration, but to wait, hope, and get ready for it — remembering the birth of Jesus and the promise that light still shines in dark places.

In the middle of a busy month, Advent is an invitation to pause. You don’t need to know the traditions or have everything figured out. Just come as you are — we’re glad you’re here.

This year’s Advent theme

Words for the Beginning

Think of a quilt — pieced together from old, treasured scraps and wrapped around you for warmth. This season’s worship and Sunday School series stitches together ancient words of promise we need to hear again and again: simple reminders we teach children that remain essential building blocks for the rest of our lives.

Each week offers a new word of hope and encouragement for whatever lies ahead, as we come to the end of one year and begin again.

Series theme and artwork by A Sanctified Art.

Church members of different ages decorating a Christmas tree together

Sundays · Nov 29 – Dec 20

All Age Sunday School

10 AM · Begins Sunday, November 29

This Advent, Sunday School looks a little different. Instead of heading to separate classes, everyone gathers together — kids, teens, parents, grandparents, and friends — for Words for the Beginning, a four-week Advent experience exploring how God’s promises offer hope and encouragement for whatever lies ahead.

Each week centers on one simple, timeless reminder — the kind of words we first learn as children and still need to hear as adults. It’s designed so that every generation can learn side by side, and it’s an easy way to connect with people of all ages across our church family.

Come as a family, bring a friend, or come on your own. It fits right between our 9 AM and 11 AM worship services. We strongly encourage signing up so we can plan for everyone — the sign-up link is coming soon.

Dates
Nov 29 · Dec 6 · Dec 13 · Dec 20

Where
Hammill Hall

Who
All ages welcome

Sign-up
Strongly requested · link coming soon

Friday, December 4

Pajama Pancake Dinner

5 PM · Registration required

Kick off the season in your favorite pajamas! Pull on the flannel, grab your fuzziest slippers, and join us for a delicious pancake dinner and a relaxed evening together.

This is one of the easiest ways to start the Christmas season with your church family — and a great first event if you’re new to Harrison. Little ones can come ready for bed, grown-ups can trade work clothes for something cozy, and everyone can enjoy a warm meal without anyone having to cook at home.

Where
Hammill Hall

Who
All ages

Cost
Details coming soon

Register by
Details coming soon

Children in Christmas pajamas gathered around Santa for a story
A single candle glowing during a Christmas candlelight service

Tuesday, December 8

Quiet Christmas Service

7 PM

The holidays aren’t always easy. If you’re carrying grief, loneliness, illness, a hard change, or simply a heavy heart, this time of year can feel especially tender — surrounded by celebration when you may not feel like celebrating.

This peaceful service offers a place to slow down and find comfort, especially for those navigating grief or a difficult season of life. Expect a gentle, unhurried service of soft, heartfelt music and candlelight prayer, with space to simply be. There’s no pressure to participate and no need to explain why you’ve come. Sit wherever you’re comfortable, and feel free to step out whenever you need to.

You don’t have to carry this season alone. If you’d like to talk with someone before or after, our pastors, Rev. Karen Roberts and Rev. Kyle McCain, are glad to listen — call the church office at (704) 541-3463.

Where
Sanctuary

Who
Anyone who needs it

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Thursday, December 24

Christmas Eve

by candlelight

Come celebrate Christmas Eve together! Share in the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth with a special time of worship, Holy Communion, and candlelight at each service.

There’s something about a room full of people holding candles and singing “Silent Night” that stays with you. Whether Christmas Eve at church is a lifelong tradition or something you haven’t done in years, you’re welcome here. Everyone is invited to receive Communion — you don’t need to be a member of Harrison or of any church.

Worshipers holding candles in Hammill Hall beside a lit Christmas tree

5 PM

Praise Band Service

Hammill Hall · Childcare available

The sanctuary filled with candlelight as the choir sings on Christmas Eve

7 PM

Choir Service

Sanctuary · Childcare available

A candlelit sanctuary seen from the chancel, with the Christmas tree glowing

11 PM

Late-Night Candlelight Service

Sanctuary

Childcare: Available at the 5 PM and 7 PM services for children birth–5 years

The praise band leading Christmas worship in Hammill Hall with poinsettias on stage The sanctuary Christmas tree beside a stained glass window

Every Sunday in Advent

Your Sunday morning this season

Join us for worship on November 29 and December 6, 13 & 20. Families are welcome at both services, and childcare is available for children birth–5 years.

9:00 AM

Sunday Worship

Hammill Hall

10:00 AM

All Age Sunday School

Words for the Beginning · Hammill Hall

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

Sanctuary

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There’s a place for you here

Have a question about any of our Advent and Christmas events? We’d love to hear from you. Call (704) 541-3463 or email info@harrisonchurch.org.