Advent is the liturgical season that precedes and prepares for Christmas - a season of hope and longing, joyful expectation, and peaceful preparation. We hope you will make time this season to join us for worship as we ready our hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ child.

Advent Adult Sunday School Classes

This Advent season, we invite you to slow down, step into community, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ through study, reflection, and shared discovery. Each week offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the beauty of the season together. All adults are invited to Advent Sunday School classes each Sunday in Room 204 at 9:30 am.

November 30 - A Look at Advent Scriptures & How They Differ from Year to Year
Begin the Advent season with a thoughtful exploration of the scriptures that guide us through these weeks of anticipation. Esther Glenn will lead us in looking at how the lectionary scriptures shift from year to year, what themes they highlight, and how these passages invite us to prepare for the coming of Christ in fresh and meaningful ways. Whether you’re new to Advent or deeply familiar with its traditions, this session offers a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding of the season’s biblical foundations.

December 7 - Music of the Season: G. F. Handel, Charles Wesley, and Charlie Brown
Join Reggie Holder for a joyful exploration of the sounds that shape our Advent and Christmas traditions. From the majestic strains of Handel’s Messiah, to the heartfelt hymns of Charles Wesley, to the nostalgic charm of A Charlie Brown Christmas, this session will take a closer look at how music helps prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Come ready to listen, learn, and celebrate the melodies that bring meaning to the season.

December 14 - Work of the Hand: The Importance of Crafts & Handmade Goods for the Holidays
Join Leslie Davis for a creative and reflective look at the role handmade goods play in our holiday traditions. From ornaments and decorations to gifts made with love, we’ll explore how crafting connects us to one another, strengthens community, and helps us slow down during a busy season. Leslie will share stories, examples, and insights into why the work of our hands matters—especially at Christmas. Come be inspired by the beauty, meaning, and memory woven into the things we make and share.

December 21 - Holiday Wreaths, Greenery & Needlework at Highlands
Celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of the season at Highlands! Valerie Nash and Laura Williams will guide us through the traditions of holiday wreaths, seasonal greenery, and needlework at Highlands. Discover the stories and symbolism behind these cherished decorations, learn how they enhance the spirit of Advent, and gain insight into the care and creativity involved in these time-honored practices. This session invites you to slow down, appreciate the artistry around us, and embrace the hands-on traditions that make the holidays feel warm, meaningful, and deeply connected to this unique community.

Advent and Christmas Worship Schedule

Sunday Mornings

9:30 a.m. - Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24

2:00 p.m. - Children & Family Christmas Eve Worship
4:30 p.m. - The Music of Christmas Choral Concert
5:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Communion and Candle Lighting

Upcoming Worship Services

November 30 - Service of Holy Communion
The Reverend Mikah Hudson, preaching

December 7 - Service of Morning Worship with Baptism
A Festival of Lessons and Carols featuring The Choir and The Handbell Choir

December 14 - Service of Morning Worship
The Reverend Mikah Hudson, preaching
Special music presented by The Choir and Chamber Orchestra

December 21 - Service of Morning Worship
Reggie Holder, preaching
The Children’s Christmas Pageant

Music for the Season

Service and Outreach

Festival of the Three Kings - December 13

Each holiday season, Highlands partners with the Jefferson County DHR to sponsor 60 children for Christmas – The Festival of Three Kings! Wish lists are available in the Greeting Space after worship or by contacting Danny Jones.

• The youth shopping trip will be on Sunday, December 7 after worship.

• Gifts should be returned to the church office by Wednesday, December 10.

• Gifts distribution will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 2 to 5 pm; volunteers are needed.

Children's Service Project - December 2

Save the date for a children’s ministries service project on Monday, December 22 from 10 am to Noon. Children age 4 and older are invited to work on service projects for our church family and community, enjoy seasonal snacks, and fellowship with each other. All are welcome and invited. RSVPs requested.

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

Christmas Eve Frequently Asked Questions:

• Parking is available in the church lot directly behind the building, just off Richard Arrington Blvd. Additional parking is available at metered street spaces and in the Five Points South Parking Deck on Magnolia Avenue.

• A nursery is available for all Christmas Eve services for children age 4 and younger. Please ask an usher or greeter to direct you to the nursery when you arrive. If this is your first time visiting Highlands, please be sure to provide contact information to nursery staff. Click here for Nursery RSVP.

• Children are welcome in worship at Highlands, especially on Christmas Eve. Books, coloring pages, and other activities are available at the Sanctuary entrances for use during worship. Families are encouraged to sit close to the front of the Sanctuary so that children may observe worship more closely. The Children and Family service typically lasts about 45 minutes, and features a short homily, child-friendly music, and an abbreviated liturgy.

• Holy Communion is offered at both Christmas Eve services and is open to ALL in attendance. You do not have to be a member of Highlands United Methodist Church or any other church to receive the sacrament.

• At the close of each service, we take candles onto the front lawn of the church and sing Silent Night together. All are invited to participate in this beautiful and meaningful Christmas tradition.