Celebrate Christmas with City on a Hill

During the holidays, Christians celebrate a season called “Advent”

Advent is a period where the church waits and longs for the coming of Jesus who gives hope, joy, peace, & love for our anxious hearts

Each year we take time to remember that God saw the brokenness of our world and sent His Son, Jesus, to step into it and save us. We remember that God the Son became a baby, that God came to us to rescue us. As we remember the first coming of Jesus, we look forward with hope and expectation that Jesus will come again to make everything new and right.

Check out upcoming events and services as well as resources to help you enjoy the Christmas season

 
 

Christmas & Advent Events

Nine Lessons & Carols

Saturday December 14, 7:00 PM

Sing songs & make a difference!

Celebrate the season with an evening of joyful music and Christmas readings followed by a reception. The event is free and open to all.

For every person who attends, City on a Hill will donate $10 to the English High School Food Pantry to address food insecurity among first generation immigrant families. We will also take an offering for those who wish to donate to the food pantry.

Advent Series

“Perspectives”: Jesus Through Others’ Eyes

12/1 - The Waiting & Longing

12/8 - The Marginalized

12/15 - The Powerful (Kings & Wise Men)

12/22 - The Vulnerable & The Least (Shepherds)

Advent is a period when the church waits and longs for the coming of Jesus who gives hope, joy, peace, & love for our anxious hearts.

Each year we take time to remember that God saw the brokenness of our world and sent His Son, Jesus, to step into it and save us. We remember that God the Son became a baby, that God came to us to rescue us. As we remember the first coming of Jesus, we look forward with hope and expectation that Jesus will come again to make everything new and right.

Christmas Eve Service

Tues. December 24, 5:30 PM

Join all four City on a Hill congregations for a joint Christmas Eve Service hosted by City on a Hill Somerville (located at 404 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145).

Service & Potluck

Sunday December 29, 9:00 AM

On Sunday 12/29, City on a Hill will be back to our morning service at 455 Arborway Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. That morning, we will have a simple service with a potluck breakfast afterward. So feel free to bring something yummy to share as we ring in the new year!

 

Christmas & Advent FAQ’s

What is the reason for Christmas?

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

According to the Bible, Jesus' birth fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament, and his coming into the world is seen as a divine intervention to bring salvation to humanity. The story of Jesus' birth is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. These accounts describe how Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary and placed in a manger because there was no room at the inn.

Christmas is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing themes of love, peace, and hope. It is a joyous time to consider the love of God to send Jesus to live the life we could not, to die the death we deserve, and to raise again to new life for our redemption.


What Happens during Advent Sundays?

Each Sunday of Advent, we will consider one of the themes of Advent (Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love) and how Jesus brings those to us through His life, death, and resurrection. We will sing songs, pray, and hear teaching about Jesus’ birth and what it means for us today.

Why do you light candles during advent?

Lighting candles symbolizes each of the themes of Advent (Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love). The candlelight symbolizes that Jesus is the light of the world. On Christmas Eve, we light the “Christ candle” representing the life of Christ who makes those themes possible.

Do I have to be a CHristian to attend services?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you are a believer or seeking, everyone is welcome to come and hear about God’s perfect love displayed in Jesus. We would love to have you as our guest!