When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts.

Close to Home acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.

The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery:

• John the Baptist reminds us that we are still wandering far from God’s promised day
• After receiving the angel’s news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth’s home, seeking refuge and safety
• Christ is born in the midst of a journey home
• The Magi travel far from home to pay homage to Christ, and, having been warned in a dream, they avoid Herod by traveling home another way

In these scriptures, home is both physical and metaphorical, something we seek and something we are called to build. Ultimately, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a home on earth—sacred ground is all around us.

Close to Home also names the pain many of us will carry into this season. The holidays can poke at our grief. Many will be missing loved ones lost to sickness and tragedy. The traumas of the pandemic will still be with us. Many will have lost homes—due to natural disasters, economic hardship, and unjust policies. Many do not feel safe in their own homes due to poor living conditions or harmful family dynamics. Many feel alone and isolated at home.

This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home— wherever home is found—to live fully with joy, hope, and courage.

Sun Nov 28: First Sunday of Advent

8:30 am: Traditional Worship • 11:00 am: Contemporary Worship

Luke 21:25-36 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 

As we begin Advent with the “Little Apocalypse” in Luke 21, we remember how far from home we are. The world is not as it should be. Many have lost their physical homes, many feel alone, and many are isolated. Many of us feel as if we are wandering with no clear way forward. This first week speaks to our deep longing—for our home to be made whole, made right, and made well. With deep longing, we watch for God. Thankfully, God enters a homesick world.

Sun Dec 5: Second Sunday of Advent

8:30 am: Traditional Worship • 11:00 am: Contemporary Worship

Luke 1:57-80 | Philippians 1:3-11

In the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, we see the foundation of what is to come. We see how interwoven his story is with Jesus’ origin story. When Zechariah regains his voice, his imagination is also restored. He offers deep praise for God’s tender mercy, and casts a hopeful vision for his own child. He sings blessings into John’s being. This lays the foundation for John’s life. In turn, John will go on to prepare the way for Jesus who will guide us all in the way of peace. In this week, we focus on making space—in our lives and our imaginations—for God’s blessings to break through.

Sun Dec 12: Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 am: Traditional Worship • 11:00 am: Contemporary Worship

Luke 3:1-18. | Zephaniah 3:14-20

John the Baptist’s good news sounds harsh, but he preaches a home for all— where inequities are banished, valleys are lifted up, and all have the resources they need for collective flourishing. Ultimately, John’s message is one of joy. We are called to collectively build and repair the structures of our society; we are called to be kin-dom builders. Wherever we build, God is there. What we build should be a place with a large table and room for all.

Sun Dec 19: Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:30 am: Traditional Worship • 11:00 am: Contemporary Worship

Luke 1:39-55 | Luke 1:46b-55

After receiving the angel’s extraordinary news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home to digest her new calling. She seeks refuge—physical safety and emotional protection. She receives a safe haven, a home for her heart to soon sing praise. Sanctuary and safe space is so crucial for everyone, especially the mother of Christ while she prepares to become a home for God. Sanctuary is anywhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly.

Fri Dec 24: Christmas Eve

4:00 pm: Contemporary Family Worship • 7:00 pm: Concert • 11:00 pm: Traditional Worship

Luke 2:1-20

There is no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. They are displaced from their home, journeying to fulfill their civic requirements to be counted in the census. And yet, the time comes to give birth where they are, and so a humble home is found. A place is made—among the feeding trough, in a cramped room abounding with chaos. In many ways, Jesus is born without an invitation, and yet, he devotes his life to inviting people who are cast out. In the same way, we might imagine the story of Christmas as God’s invitation to be welcomed home despite all barriers. How will we respond?

Sun Dec 26: First Sunday After Christmas

9:30 am: OneCUMC Carol Service

Luke 2:41-52 | Colossians 3:12-17

Home is not necessarily a place, but where we find authentic belonging. In this story, we find Jesus pursuing his theological education, increasing in his wisdom even as a young man. After the Passover festival, he strays from his birth family to dwell in the Temple, listening to the Rabbis and asking questions. Jesus claims and takes up space, choosing to dwell where God has chosen him to be. Similarly, we all need homes of our choosing—people and places that welcome us just as we are.

Sun Jan 2: Epiphany

8:30 am: Traditional Worship • 11:00 am: Contemporary Worship

Matthew 2:1-12 | Ephesians 3:1-12

The story of Epiphany marks an end and the beginning. Leaving their home, the Wise Men embark upon a pilgrimage, seeking a glimpse of the divine in the Christ child. Being warned in a dream, the Magi chose a different direction to journey back home. This leads them away from Herod’s deception, manipulation, and harm. The Magi make a subversive choice to disobey Herod. They listen to God speaking to them through their dreams. As our own journeys continue, we remember we must sometimes make bold choices to choose a different way.