Over 35 years of marriage, Amy and I have acquired a few different manger scenes. Some are missing pieces. Sadly, the Mary from a Peruvian pottery Nativity met her demise during one of our moves. We have an assortment of mismatched cows and donkeys (some felt, some wood, some ceramic).

Every year, as boxes are retrieved from storage and unpacked, our scruffy cast of Christmas icons make their way to Bethlehem. One day, a flock of angels will show up. One day, I’ll look over and see that the camel has appeared. Where are the magi? Who can say? I love the somewhat random, but steady trickle of new arrivals to our manger. It mirrors the cadence of this season—a season in which God is getting closer, step by surprising step.

This December, we are going to pay close attention to how each of the players make their entrance on Advent’s stage. We will begin with Gabriel, God’s herald. Then,
we will turn to members of the holy family. We will watch as shepherds race to find a barn in Bethlehem and we will puzzle over magi who bow before a different sort
of king.

It’s all, of course, a prelude to asking: How and when will you arrive at Christmas?

See you in worship,
Scott

The Advent sermon series, Doorways to the Manger, begins on Sunday, November 30 (“When Gabriel Knocks,” Senior Pastor Scott Black Johnston, preaching). It continues through the Fourth Sunday of Advent (“When Mary Sings,” Senior Pastor Scott Black Johnston, preaching). All 11 am Sunday services will be available on livestream.

Our worship calendar also includes Blue Christmas, a service of meditation and contemplation, on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Our service on Sunday, Dec. 15, will feature the Children’s Christmas Pageant.

For full details on our Advent and Christmas worship services, visit our worship calendar.

Advent Exhibit
Opens Sunday, November 23 • Chesnut Gallery
This Advent, explore the history and tradition of the Messiah, George Frideric Handel’s 1742 masterpiece of choral music. Complementing Fifth Avenue’s performance of this seminal work, the Chesnut Gallery’s display will guide you through the Messiah’s origins and cultural endurance.

Join an Advent Group
Coming to a neighborhood near you beginning the week of November 30, Advent study groups will meet at various times and dates around the city, in the church, and online to embrace the spirit of Advent together using a common curriculum built from our Advent sermon series. Sign ups are now open and space in each group is limited, so register now to build fellowship and await the coming of the incarnate God. Register here!

Family Ministries Advent Festival
Sunday, November 30 • 11 am
All families with children are invited to join us in the LaDane Williamson Christian Education Center for a joyful Advent celebration filled with wreath-making, tree decorating, brunch, and carols! This year, Luludi Living Art will guide a special Advent wreath project, along with fun crafts for all ages. Register for this festive event here.

Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6 • 7 pm
Join the Fifth Avenue Chamber Choir and Orchestra for one of New York’s most beloved holiday traditions: Handel’s Messiah. From the comfort of “He shall feed his flock” to the exultant power of the “Hallelujah” chorus, this timeless masterpiece traces a dramatic arc from prophecy to redemption. Performed by New York’s finest soloists and musicians, Messiah offers a moment of reflection, joy, and renewal at the start of the Christmas season.

Get your tickets!

Fifth Avenue Caroling!
Sunday, December 14 • Open Streets Main Stage
Join fellow members of the Fifth Avenue family as they bring beloved carols and delightful holiday classics to our friends and neighbors, all part of the Fifth Avenue Association’s Open Streets celebration.

The Joe Vedella Holiday Dinner
A celebration with our homeless neighbors, is coming up on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2:00 pm in Bonnell Hall. Guests dine in Bonnell Hall, complete with table service at this three-course, fine-dining experience. Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, check in their belongings, escort them to their tables, serve as table captains, prepare and distribute the meal, and so much more! This is an annual highlight for our guests and Outreach volunteers. Register to Volunteer!

The Shelter Family Holiday Party
On Monday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 pm in the LaDane Williamson Christian Education Center, this longstanding Fifth Avenue tradition continues as we welcome children and families living in the city shelter system to a family holiday party. Volunteers are needed to welcome our guests, attend to more than 40 children, and help create an evening of merriment. The event takes place from 5:30 until 8 pm. Volunteers are needed as early as 4:30 pm. Register to volunteer!

Volunteer with Meals on Heels on Christmas Day
On Christmas morning, our Meals on Heels volunteers will meet up in Bonnell Hall to prepare and deliver home-cooked holiday meals to elderly and homebound neighbors in midtown. Join us at 9 am to help cook and package the food or at 11 am to assist with deliveries. Contact: John Wyatt ([email protected]).