Advent and Christmas 2024: Events, resources & services
Below find a listing of services as we celebrate Advent and Christmas throughout the month of December. If you have an event to add to the list, please email to Molly Hamilton at [email protected]. There are also a number of resources available that can be helpful as you celebrate Advent or Christmas in your church or home.
Navigate directly to the events below through the following links:
Navigate directly to the events below through the following links:
#AdventWord
AdventWord is a global, online Advent calendar, offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of The Episcopal Church. Images and meditations can be experienced via the #AdventWord website, direct daily emails, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Special Advent Services and Events
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Advent Lessons & Carols at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston at 7 pm. This beautiful candlelight service can be watched onlilne at this link. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville Advent Taizé Service at 6 pm. Taizé prayer is meditative in character. Simple repetitive chants anchor the prayer time together and become a calming influence during this hectic pre-Christmas season. Songs of praise and thanksgiving frame readings from the Psalms and Scriptures. The focus is on songs that celebrate the Light of Christ. Therefore, the symbols of darkness and light play an important part in this contemplative service of prayer and meditation. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Port Royal Advent Lessons & Carols at 11 am St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach Advent Lessons & Carols at 10 am SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island Advent Lessons & Carols at 10:30 am St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Charleston Advent Lessons & Carols at 10 am SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach at 5 pm Winter Solstice Candlelight Concert. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, at 9 am Family Eucharist and Children's Christmas Pageant St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston at 5 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 5 pm. All are welcome to attend this Christmas tradition based on the historical service held annually at King's College, Cambridge. The service will feature the St. Stephen's Choir led by Choirmaster Wayne Helmly. Good Shepherd, Summerville Festival of Lessons & Carols at 6 pm at St. Luke’s Historic Chapel – 208 Central Avenue, Summerville - All are invited to join in this beautiful and meaningful Advent tradition – the story encompassing the beginning of creation, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Christ told through nine readings from Genesis, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and John, and the singing of hymns, Christmas carols, and choir anthems. Good Shepherd Choir with special guest singers and musicians directed by Organist and Choir Director Jamie Hawkins. Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, at 7 pm Christmas Lessons & Carols (nursery provided) with the St. Gregory & St. Nicholas Choir. Service will also be shared live on the church's YouTube page at this link: https://www.youtube.com/user/GraceChurchChrlstn. 
'Blue Christmas' Services
Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston: Anyone who is coping with grief, a broken relationship, financial difficulties, or any kind of loss or loneliness may find the holidays especially difficult. The Blue Christmas Service is a way to acknowledge sadness and concern amid a world that is focused on celebration (nursery provided). Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30 pm Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island Blue Christmas: A Healing Service of Remembrance & Hope Wednesday, December 18 at 6 pm All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island As society pushes us to rush forward, our faith encourages us to slow down and patiently, expectantly wait. For many people, this is not the most wonderful time of the year, as it may be the time when we miss our loved ones who have gone before us. This “Blue Christmas” service is intended to help us slow down and listen with our whole being to what the Holy Spirit is trying to say to us in this journey towards the incarnation. We invite you to listen. We invite you to pray. We invite you to sing, and we invite you to offer any of your troubles to the Christ Child. Join us for this special Eucharist service of hope and healing on Wednesday, December 18 at 6:00pm. We trust that you will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone. |
Christmas ServicesChristmas Eve, December 24 Find the Episcopal Church closest to you on our website at this page. Most, but not all, services are listed below. All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island 4:30 - Prelude music begins 5 pm - Family service in the style of Saturday@5 7:30 pm - Prelude music begins 8 pm - Candlelight Eucharist with choir and special music Calvary Episcopal Church, Charleston 5 pm - Christmas carols 6 pm - Solemn Eucharistic Celebration of the Birth of Christ Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant 4 pm - Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist (main church) 5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist with special music (main church) 11 pm - Holy Eucharist (historic church) Epiphany Church of Summerville 6 pm - Festival Choral Eucharist with candlelight Episcopal Church in Okatie, Ridgeland 5 pm - Christmas Eve Service Good Shepherd, Summerville (208 Central Avenue in historic St. Luke's Chapel) 5 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II (children encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for the manger!) Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston 3:30-6 pm - Visit the manger animals in the Garden of Remembrance 4 pm - Family Eucharist with choir (nursery provided) 6 pm - Choral Eucharist with Choir & Brass (nursery provided) 8 pm - Choral Eucharist with Choir & Brass* 11 pm - Choral Eucharist, Rite I, with Choir & Brass* * Service will also be shared live on the church's YouTube page at this link. Holy Communion, Charleston 7:15 pm - Chamber music begins 7:30 pm - Solemn high mass of the Nativity with Choir Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island 4 pm - Christmas Pageant 8 pm - Candlelight Holy Eucharist Messiah, Myrtle Beach 5:30 pm - Choral Eucharist with candle lighting Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, Conway 6 pm - Christmas Eve Eucharist St. Bartholomew's, Hartsville 5 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist 8 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist St. Catherine's, Florence 5 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist St. David's, Cheraw 5 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist St. Francis, Edisto Island 5 pm - Holy Eucharist (music begins at 4:45 pm) St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville 6 pm - Rite II Service with Holy Eucharist 8 pm - Christmas music for organ, choir, and strings 8:30 pm - Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist (Rite II) St. James Episcopal Church, James Island 4:40 pm - Congregational carol sing and musical prelude 5 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist St. John's Episcopal Church, Johns Island 4 pm - Christmas Eve service at Grace Chapel, Wadmalaw Island (music and carols will begin at 3:30 pm) 6 pm - Christmas Eve service at St. John's (music and carols will begin at 5:30 pm) St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Charleston 5 pm - Christmas Eve service St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Port Royal 4 pm - Family Service (with Holy Eucharist) 6 pm - Special Music with choir and carols 6:30 pm - Candle light service (with Holy Eucharist) St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston 4 pm - Children's Christmas Eve Service 8 pm - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service (Christmas prelude begins at 7:30 pm - incense will be used) St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 6 pm - Festive Holy Eucharist Family Candle Service 8:30 pm - Christmas carols 9 pm - Holy Eucharist Candle Service St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, St. Stephen 6 pm - Festive Holy Eucharist Family Candle Service 8:30 pm - Christmas Carols 9 pm - Holy Eucharist Candle Service St. Thomas Episcopal Church, North Charleston 5 pm - Christmas Eve Service National Advent/Christmas servicesWashington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The Cathedral has a full slate of holiday concerts and worship services. Find out more on their website at this link: cathedral.org/worship/advent-christmas/ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 at 10 pm Join us for one of the most beautiful services of the year as we herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. We celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, and seasonal choral and instrumental music. Watch live at this link. Christmastide
Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day More services may be added to this listing as they are provided to the diocese. Most churches in our diocese will offer a service on this day. Find the Episcopal Church closest to you on our website at this page. Most, but not all, services are listed below. All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island 9 am - Christmas Day Eucharist with carols Calvary Episcopal Church, 106 Line St., Charleston 10 am - Solemn Eucharistic Celebration of the Birth of Christ Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant 10 am - Holy Eucharist (historic church) Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston 10 am - Holy Eucharist with choir and carols Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island 10 am - Holy Eucharist Messiah, Myrtle Beach 10 am - Christmas Eucharist with hymns St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Hartsville 9:30 am - Christmas Day service St. Francis, Edisto Island 10 am - Holy Eucharist - Rite I (no music) St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville 10 am - Rite II Service with Holy Eucharist St. John's Episcopal Church, Johns Island 10 am - Christmas Day Holy Eucharist St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Port Royal 10 am - Christmas Day Holy Eucharist St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston 10 am - Christmas Day Service St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 10 am - Christmas Day Holy Eucharist Thursday, December 26: Feast of St. Stephen Services to be added. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston 10 am - The Feast of St. Stephen Friday, December 27: Feast of St. John Services to be added. Saturday, December 28: Feast of The Holy Innocents Services to be added. Wednesday, January 1: Feast of the Holy Name St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 10 am - Holy Eucharist |
Resources for Advent
'Journeying the Way of Love'
Curriculum and Advent Calendar
Journeying the Way of Love is a four-week Advent curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Sessions are designed for use during the Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love.
The curriculum and advent calendar can be downloaded here.
BIG Way of Love for Kids Advent Calendar
This special BIG Way of Love for Kids Advent Calendar will help families, formation teams, and children (young and grown alike!) make time for Jesus during this busy season. It’s a month of simple practices each day to help us look, live, and love more like Jesus. Available in English, Spanish, and French. Learn more at this link.
Digital Invitation Kit - The Episcopal Church
Advent is a special time of preparation and anticipation, as well as the beginning of the liturgical year. This combination creates a wonderful opening to invite those who are seeking something greater than themselves – those who are seeking the Good News of the Way of Love. The Episcopal Church offers a Digital Invitation Kit to help you to offer that invitation with great joy and hope.
The kit may be downloaded here.
Advent Toolkit
Episcopal Relief & Development
Episcopal Relief & Development is offering resources for the holiday season, such as prayers, activity guides and an Advent calendar poster from the online Advent Toolkit.
Making Home: Advent Meditations on Refugee Ministry
On behalf of Episcopal Migration Ministries, The Rev. Canon Maria Tjeltveit, Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA, is sharing Advent meditations that lift up the ministry that Episcopalians do with refugees, as well as with asylum seekers and immigrants, based on her own personal experience and interviews with others. You may click here to subscribe to receive the daily meditations.
Learn more here.
Curriculum and Advent Calendar
Journeying the Way of Love is a four-week Advent curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Sessions are designed for use during the Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love.
The curriculum and advent calendar can be downloaded here.
BIG Way of Love for Kids Advent Calendar
This special BIG Way of Love for Kids Advent Calendar will help families, formation teams, and children (young and grown alike!) make time for Jesus during this busy season. It’s a month of simple practices each day to help us look, live, and love more like Jesus. Available in English, Spanish, and French. Learn more at this link.
Digital Invitation Kit - The Episcopal Church
Advent is a special time of preparation and anticipation, as well as the beginning of the liturgical year. This combination creates a wonderful opening to invite those who are seeking something greater than themselves – those who are seeking the Good News of the Way of Love. The Episcopal Church offers a Digital Invitation Kit to help you to offer that invitation with great joy and hope.
The kit may be downloaded here.
Advent Toolkit
Episcopal Relief & Development
Episcopal Relief & Development is offering resources for the holiday season, such as prayers, activity guides and an Advent calendar poster from the online Advent Toolkit.
Making Home: Advent Meditations on Refugee Ministry
On behalf of Episcopal Migration Ministries, The Rev. Canon Maria Tjeltveit, Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA, is sharing Advent meditations that lift up the ministry that Episcopalians do with refugees, as well as with asylum seekers and immigrants, based on her own personal experience and interviews with others. You may click here to subscribe to receive the daily meditations.
Learn more here.
Living Compass Advent Devotional
Living Compass has launched an Advent Devotional called "Practicing Peace With All Your Heart,Soul, Strength, and Mind." Designed for use as an individual reflection or for group study, the guide provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Advent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Christmas.
Learn more here.
Living Compass has launched an Advent Devotional called "Practicing Peace With All Your Heart,Soul, Strength, and Mind." Designed for use as an individual reflection or for group study, the guide provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Advent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Christmas.
Learn more here.
'Advent In A Box'
Advent in a Box is a resource created by the Christian educators at Family Ministry Tools to help churches equip families to have faith conversations at home. The goal is to send home interactive, fun, and biblically sound activities that engage families and help them grow in their faith.
Learn more here.
Advent in a Box is a resource created by the Christian educators at Family Ministry Tools to help churches equip families to have faith conversations at home. The goal is to send home interactive, fun, and biblically sound activities that engage families and help them grow in their faith.
Learn more here.