Advent 2026: Comfort and Joy

Jesus is coming; Jesus comes to us at Christmas and in each day; and Jesus will come again. These are the "tidings of comfort and joy" that we proclaim throughout Advent and Christmas. Drawing on centuries of Christian tradition, Comfort and Joy draws attention to God's surprising presence and action as we prepare for Jesus' birth during Advent, rejoice at his arrival throughout the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany, and anticipate his future return. 

Comfort is not escape from the darkness. It is the promise that God is with us in the darkness. Joy is not the absence of sorrow. It is the confidence that the darkness does not have the final word.  

Isaiah announces comfort. The angels proclaim great joy.  The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. And Revelation carries both words to their fulfillment: “Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.” This is our comfort. “See, I am making all things new.” This is our joy. So the prayer of Advent remains: Come, Lord Jesus.  

Journey with the Faith community by engaging in weekend worship, mid-week worship, and daily devotional resources. Comfort & Joy Devotionals and Advent Calendars will be available in the church commons by Friday, November 20.

Keep reading to learn more about the Advent worship schedule and ways to give throughout this season.  

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE 

Wednesday Worship 

December 2, 9, 16
Meal at 5:15 in St. Michael’s Hall
Worship at 6:00 in the Sanctuary
Click here for meal menus
Free-will offering will be received for Faith Feast.  

Christmas Eve Worship

December 24 at 3:00, 5:00* & 7:00 pm
Holy Communion ~ Candlelight ~ Christmas Carols
All three worship services will be the same format. Each service will feature unique special music from various individuals and ensembles.

Christmas Eve Dinner

December 24 at 6:00 pm
A light Christmas Dinner will be served in St. Michael’s Hall.
Click here by Tuesday, December 22 to RSVP, sign up for food donations, or to help in the kitchen.
Call the church office at 515-225-8334 if you have questions.

Christmas Day WORSHIP

December 25 at 10:00 am 

First Weekend of Christmas

December 26 at 5:00 | December 27 at 8:15* & 10:30

* = livestreamed at www.faithlc.org 

Ways to Give in Advent

TRINITY CENTER AT LUTHER PARK
You can find the list of items needed here. Please deliver new, unwrapped gifts to Faith Lutheran Commons by Sunday, December 13. Any items not used for Christmas will be used throughout the year for resident birthdays and bingo gifts. 

MOSAIC
Choose a tag off the tree in the Commons, purchase and wrap your gift, and return the gift with the tag to the Commons by Friday, December 18.

Special Events in Advent

LIVE NATIVITY
Sunday, December 13 | 5:30 - 6:30
Faith Lutheran Church - North Parking Lot

CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Sunday, December 20 | 1:00 - 3:00
Meet at church and go caroling in the community.