Advent at First Lutheran

Christ: Be Our Light


As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the season of Advent invites us to turn our hearts toward the light—toward Christ, who comes into the world to dispel darkness and bring faith, hope, love, and peace. This year’s theme, “Christ Be Our Light”, leads us through the four weeks of Advent with a prayerful longing for Christ’s presence.


  • Week 1: Faith calls us to trust in God’s promises, even when the way forward is unclear. 
  • Week 2: Hope invites us to expect God’s justice and renewal. 
  • Week 3: Love celebrates the incarnation—God’s love made flesh in Jesus. 
  • Week 4: Peace proclaims Christ as the Prince of Peace.


On Christmas Eve, our theme shifts to “Christ IS Our Light”,
celebrating the fulfillment of that longing in the birth of Jesus.

LUNCH in the LOFT

        Wednesday Noon Advent Concerts

Join us for midweek concerts of organ music and other accompaniment for the Holiday Season! This series of  short performances of seasonal music can be a fun way to relax a bit and get in the festive spirit of the season.

  • Dec. 3 - Marilyn Mark, St. Paul's Lutheran
  • Dec. 10 - Robin Wagner, St. Andrew Lutheran
  • Dec. 17 - Brett & Marita Wolgast, First Lutheran

Concerts begin at 12:05 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Seating is available in the balcony or floor level. We invite you to bring a bag lunch or favorite carry-out.  Cookies, Coffee & Water provided.

  • "Shipwrecked at the Stable" Discussion Group
    11 a.m. Wednesdays – December 3, 10 and 17.  

    Sheila Anderson will lead an advent study for three weeks in December immediately preceding the Lunch in the Loft Concerts We will focus on an Advent-themed essay by modern-day theologian Brennan Manning entitled Shipwrecked at the Stable, which explores the idea that when we are in right relationship with Jesus, we are in the peace of Christ. This study will help us focus on the true blessings of the season.

  • Blue Christmas Worship
    Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

    Our losses and memories of painful past experiences can be overwhelming in a season that is supposed to be joyful. Through scripture, prayer, song, and ritual we will seek to reflect on God’s presence in our midst, to release our burdens and to receive God’s good gifts.

  • Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio & John Leavitt's Hodie! Cantata
    Sat. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.

    Two exuberant works for the Christmas Season: French composer and organist
    Saint-Saëns’ stirring Christmas Oratorio featuring harp, strings, organ and Chorale
    soloists. The Chorale will also perform the contemporary cantata Hodie! by John Leavitt with percussion, strings and piano.
    Tickets: $18 in advance at CRChorale.org

  • Children's Christmas Celebration

    Sunday, Dec. 14, in 11 a.m. worship

    "Be the Light" our children's ministry will wrap up our "Be the Light" Advent theme is song and story in this don't-miss-it presentation during Sunday Morning Worship!

  • Vocal Artists of Iowa Christmas Concert

    Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.

    Celebrate the season with choral music featuring themes of love, light,
    and change in our world.
    No Ticket cost; $25 recommended donation

Christmas Eve Worship

December 24

Children & Family Oriented Service:
3 p.m. (Junior Choir)

Contemporary Service:

5 p.m. (Celebration Band-led w/ Youth Choir & Bells)

Traditional services:

  7 p.m. (Adult Handbells) and 9 p.m. (Adult Choir)


Extended preludes from organ, piano & ensembles will begin
30 minutes prior to the 3, 7, & 9 p.m. worship services.


All four services will be streaming live at
firstlutherancr.org/live or youtube.com/firstlutherancr


Following Christmas Eve: 
Dec. 27-28 worship at 5 p.m. Saturday and only  10 a.m. Sunday. 

There will be no Wednesday Echo Worship on Dec. 31.