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
Join us each Sunday in December as we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the Christ Child. Classes range from in-depth study to informal discussion, and are taught by Highlands members, staff, and clergy. There is a class just right for you in this season. Join in Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Click the button below for class descriptions.
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 - Tuesday, 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
Sunday, December 1 - First Sunday of Advent
10:30 a.m. Service of Holy Communion for Advent
Sunday, December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent
10:30 a.m. Service of Morning Worship
4:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols
featuring:
The Choir of Highlands
Richard Phillips, Choirmaster and Organist
The Handbell Choir
Kathy Burdette, director
Sunday, December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship featuring The Choir and Members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
The Reverend Mikah Hudson preaching
Musical offerings:
Sinfonia from MESSIAH; George Frederick Handel
Pifa from MESSIAH; George Frederick Handel
Movement III from Concerto in A Minor; Antonio Vivaldi
Congregational Hymns: Once In Royal David's City; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; and O Come, All Ye Faithful
Sunday December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship featuring the Children's Christmas Pageant
Experience the story of the coming of the Christ child lovingly presented by the children of Highlands. Journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as the ancient story is told and beautiful carols of the season are sung. A Highland's tradition not to be missed!
Christmas Eve Services
2:00 p.m. - Children and Family Service
4:30p.m. - Music of Christmas Choral Concert
5:00 p.m. - Holy Communion and Candlelighting
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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.
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.
