Embodied
Advent 2026 at Wilshire
Our Advent theme, Embodied, invites us to reflect together on the central event of Christmas, the Incarnation of Christ. Though each of the four Gospels illuminates a different dimension of Advent, they all point to the same profound theological truth: the Incarnation matters because God chooses to enter into human life, dwell among us and transform the world through love, hope, peace and justice. Advent, therefore, is not simply a season of waiting for Christ’s birth, but an invitation to embody Christ’s presence in our lives and communities, making God’s love visible in the world today.
Advent begins Sunday, Nov. 29.
Above: Advent art by Wilshire member Abi Dyer.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Vespers: Moravian Lovefeast
Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 6 p.m. | McIver Chapel | Join our pastoral residents for a Moravian lovefeast-themed Vespers. Lovefeasts, first held in Germany in 1727, are based on the agape meals of the early church and are often held at Christmas. The service will include music, Scripture and poetry; in keeping with lovefeast tradition, coffee, tea and sweets will be served in the Parlor afterward.
Preschool Pageant
Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary | Kindergarten, Pre-K and 3-Year-Old choirs will be in costume as they sing and act out the Nativity. Followed by cookies and cocoa in James Gallery.
Together with Heart and Soul and Voice: Christmas on Abrams
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary | Join the Wilshire Music Ministry for a festive evening of Christmas music and help us bring Christmas to Abrams and beyond. We invite everyone to bring a new winter item to benefit one of our local ministry partners and help our neighbors stay warm this winter. Details coming soon. Invite your family, friends and neighbors, and come ready to share the joy of the season through music and generosity.
Songwriter Vespers: Holiday Edition
Sunday, Dec. 20 | 4:30 p.m. | Choral Hall | A full band and vocalists led by Darren DeMent will explore the full range of holiday emotions through the work of various songwriters. Part worship service and part coffeehouse concert, this won’t be your typical church Christmas program.
Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, Dec. 24 | 4 and 11 p.m. | Sanctuary
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Worship
• 9 a.m. Contemplative Worship in McIver Chapel
• 11 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
Experience the beauty and traditions of the season in both our 9 and 11 a.m. services as we build toward the Incarnation of Christ through the weekly Advent themes: hope, peace, joy and love. Sunday School for all ages is offered at 9:45 a.m.
Sign up kids to build Nativity
Elementary school children are invited to help build the Sanctuary Nativity scene by carrying elements to the chancel at the start of worship. We’ll begin Nov. 29 and build the scene week by week, completing it at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Sign up >
Adult Sunday School series
Darren DeMent and Katie Murray will lead a Sunday School series on the four Sundays of Advent at 9:45 a.m. in McIver Chapel. Each week will focus on a different medium to help us find connection to the idea of Incarnation. Nov. 29: Visual art. Dec. 6: Film. Dec.13: Movement. Dec. 20: Music.
Poinsettia ordering
Help decorate the Sanctuary for Advent by ordering a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Dedications will be listed in the Dec. 6 worship folder. Each plant costs $15, and donors may take them home after Christmas Eve. Order in the office or online. Ordering deadline: Nov. 29. Order now >
GIVE BACK
Giving Tree
Starting Sunday, Nov. 22, select a tag from the Giving Tree in James Gallery and fulfill a Christmas wish for a child or adult served by our local mission partners. Scan your tag’s QR code and we’ll send you a due-date reminder. Our Virtual Giving Tree will also be open by Nov. 22.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Preschool Playdate: Gingerbread Houses
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 9:30–11 a.m. | Preschoolers and their families are invited to decorate gingerbread houses at a playdate at the home of Jessica and Andy Brookshire.
Family Advent guide
This year’s Advent guide for families with children will be available in print and digital formats by Nov. 29.
Tree of Hope and Remembrance
Help decorate our Tree of Hope and Remembrance in the South Lobby by writing a loved one’s name as a memorial or your name as a survivor of cancer or another disease. Blank ornaments and markers are provided at the tree, which is decorated with bracelets representing different forms of cancer. Hang your ornament and feel free to take it home close to Christmas.
Library Nativity sets
Stop by the Wilshire Library during the Holiday season to enjoy a display of nativity sets from around the world. Most are from the collection of Wilshire member Linda Garner.