Advent 2026

The Church Year begins not on January 1st, but on the first Sunday of Advent. During these days leading up to Christmas Day, we at Imago Dei Community join the global and historic church to contemplate the once and future coming of Jesus Christ. The word “advent” means “arrival,” which speaks to the reality that God arrived humbly in Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago and will arrive again in victory at his second coming. In this way, the church is always in between two advents or “arrivals” of Jesus: remembering the goodness of God at Christ’s birth and awaiting his fulfilled promises at Christ’s return. We start the year in Advent so we can remember where we always sit as the church: desperate for an arrival from God. We pray that the things we offer this Advent season draw you closer to the heart of Christ and our collective need for him.

  • Advent Generosity Spotlights

    Get to know some of our Justice & Mercy Partners…
    THROUGHOUT ADVENT

    As we press into being a community that invites our church into giving away the love of Jesus that we have received, we’re spending the four weeks of Advent getting to know some of our local and global justice partners even more.

    Every week we’ll spotlight one of these partners and ask you to consider: what is ours to do? You’ll hear from City Team, the Water Project, Family Room, and NOE Ministries.

    In addition to that, you will also find a weekly blog post that will invite you, your family, & your community groups into a time of contemplative reflection and prayer.

  • WELCOME ADVENT

    A Kickoff Event
    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 6 PM

    "The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook." -William James

    We live in a culture that has lost control of the discipline of attention--knowing what to overlook or ignore, learning to focus on what matters and deciding in relation to that. Advent is a season to consider God's attention when considering human beings (how much God overlooks!).

    Join authors Steve Moore and Father Rick Ganz as they uncover the heart of Advent, the practice of noticing and paths to to finding and healing our lostness.

  • Wandering in Wonder

    A Sacred Night of Naming Our Sorrow
    SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH AT 6PM

    Every holiday season shines bright. Despite that, they seldom deliver a complete break from real life. In fact, our personal struggles are often felt more deeply when nonstop celebrating robs us of the freedom to feel them. Between the laughter and busyness, we want to make space to quietly and prayerfully miss the people we've lost, acknowledge where we struggle to find joy, and borrow hope from those around us who understand both the light and the weight we carry.

  • Tidings: An Imago Dei Advent Celebration

    An Imago Dei Advent Celebration
    SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 4PM

    Join us to celebrate the comfort and joy that is found in Christ's arrival at Christmas together for one big party with your whole church family! There will be yummy snacks, mocktails, carols, crafts, games, and so much more. This is an event for adults, kids, and families alike—there will be something for everyone!

    If you are able to bring cookies or a dessert to share, please bring them in a disposable pan (we will plate your dessert for you).

    Registration is encouraged so we have an idea of how many people to expect.

  • Christmas Eve Services

    Celebrating Jesus’ Birth Together
    THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24TH: 3PM & 5PM

    You are invited to one of our two candlelight all-family services on Christmas Eve at 3pm and 5pm. These identical services will included time to reflect on the reality of Jesus through fellowship, teaching, Scripture, and a time of worship in candlelight. We will also have gift bags for kids, sweet treats, and ways for the whole family to engage. All are welcome as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and worship him as King! No registration needed. Watch the livestream.

  • Christmas Day Dinner

    A Meal for Everyone
    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH AT 2PM

    As we’ve been able to do over the past years, this season we’ll be hosting a Community Christmas Dinner. Christmas day our doors will be open to anyone experiencing homelessness or who don’t have somewhere else to go on Christmas, and for those of us that want to build relationships and experience celebration by serving and sharing a meal together in our Imago Community. Doors will open for fellowship and serving at 1 PM. Stay tuned for sign up information for serving and bringing items.