Waitiing in Wonder
SEASON OF ADVENT EVENTS
Advent is a season of anticipation—a time to pause, prepare, and open our hearts to the wonder of God’s promise. As we light each candle and draw closer to Christmas, we’re reminded that waiting is not empty or passive, but filled with hope, faith, and awe at what God is doing among us.
This year, our theme “Waiting in Wonder” invites us to see the beauty in the waiting. May we slow down, look with childlike wonder, and marvel at the miracle of Christ’s coming into our world and into our lives today.
KIDS ADVENT EVENT Dec 6th
We can't wait for Christmas- but what exactly are we waiting for? Let's find out together!
First Baptist Church welcomes your kid(s) ages 5-10 to our free children's event "Chasing Christmas" on Saturday, December 6th from 9:30 to 12:30pm.
This event is open to children from any and no church background to explore Advent and the celebration of Christmas.
We'll provide the lunch, good tidings, and great joy; the kids will bring the curiosity and anticipation!
BLUE CHRISTMAS
Dec 10th
Join us for a Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 10th, at 6:30 pm in our chapel (Saint Clair Entrance).
This is a gentle, reflective gathering for all who are experiencing grief or longing during the holiday season. This quiet service offers space for remembrance, hope, and healing.
If you would like to honor someone you’ve lost and deeply miss, please email us an image of your loved one; we will print and display it that evening as part of our time of reflection and comfort.
Email pictures to info@fbclife.com by December 7th
FOOD PANTRY
Dec 18th
During this Advent season, as we prepare our hearts with hope and generosity, we are grateful to host the Ben Wilkerson Food Pantry on our church campus.
The pantry provides food assistance to Staunton residents in need and will be open only once in December—on the 18th from 9:00–11:00 am.
This ministry embodies the spirit of Advent by helping alleviate hunger, supporting families facing financial hardship, and ensuring that our neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need. Through the pantry, we strive to share Christ’s light with our community by offering relief, compassion, and encouragement.
GLOBAL MISSION OFFERING
Sunday, Nov. 30 - December 24th
Each Year, we participate in the Gospel work around the world through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
This offering supports international missionaries sharing the gospel around the world. The WMU of First Baptist Church are providing the Candy Cane Breakfast on November 30th, after the service.
Please join us for food and fellowship as we kick off this season of giving.
If you want to know more about the International Board of Missions or Lottie Moon, visit
IMB.org
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Dec 24th @ 7:00
You and your family are warmly invited to join us on Christmas Eve for a beautiful evening of
worship as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Our service will include candle lighting, communion, and inspiring Christmas music.
Christmas treats and fellowship to follow the service.
Christmas Eve is a special time to gather in joy and wonder as we welcome the light of Christ into the world.
Advent Services
November 30
Advent Week 1: Hope
The Prophecy Candle
Theme: Waiting with expectation
Focus: God’s promises foretold by the prophets
Advent begins with Hope, reminding believers that God keeps His promises. For centuries, Israel waited for the Messiah. Even in silence and suffering, God was faithfully working behind the scenes.
Reflection:
We remember that God is faithful in the waiting—just as He kept His promise of Jesus, He keeps His promises to us today.
December 7
Advent Week 2: Peace
The Bethlehem Candle
Theme: Christ as the Prince of Peace
Focus: The preparations for Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
The second week centers on
Peace, not merely the absence of conflict, but the deep, soul-settling peace that comes from Christ. He brings peace between God and humanity and within our own hearts.
Reflection:
Peace is not something we find—it is Someone who came for us. Jesus is our peace in anxiety, uncertainty, and chaos.
December 14
Sermon of Carols
Advent Week 3: Joy
The Shepherd's Candle
Theme: Joy that cannot be taken
Focus: The shepherds hearing the “good news of great joy”
The third week, Advent moves from quiet expectation to joyful anticipation. The shepherds were the first to hear the good news, showing that God chooses ordinary people to carry extraordinary news.
Christian Reflection:
Joy in Advent is not based on circumstances. It is rooted in Christ—Emmanuel, God with us.
Sermon of Carols
There will be a special focus on Christmas carols this Sunday.
December 21
Advent Week 4: Love
The Angel's Candle
Theme: God’s love revealed in Christ
Focus: God’s love poured out by sending Jesus into the world
The final week emphasizes
Love, the very reason Jesus came. God loved us enough to step into our world, take on flesh, and ultimately take our place.
Reflection:
Love is not simply a feeling—it is God’s action toward us. Advent love calls us to love others with the same sacrificial heart.
December 24
Christmas Eve
The Christ Candle
Theme: The Light of the World has come
Focus: The birth of Jesus
The Christ candle represents purity, light, and the fulfilled promise of the Messiah. The waiting is over—Jesus has come.
Reflection:
All the longing, hope, and preparation point to this moment:
Jesus is here. God keeps His promises. Light overcomes darkness.
Christmas Eve at FBC
Christmas Eve Service 7:00
You and your family are warmly invited to join us on Christmas Eve for a beautiful evening of
worship as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Our service will include candle lighting, communion, and inspiring Christmas music.
Christmas treats and fellowship to follow the service.
Christmas Eve is a special time to gather in joy and wonder as we welcome the light of Christ into the world.