Celebrate Advent
at Pond Hill Baptist Church
What Is Advent — And Why Do We Celebrate It?
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation leading up to Christmas. The word “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival,” and for followers of Jesus it points in two beautiful directions:
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Looking back to the first coming of Christ — when the Light of the World was born in Bethlehem.
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Looking ahead to His promised return — when He will make all things new.
For four weeks, we slow down in the middle of a busy season to light candles, read Scripture, tell the story of Jesus’ birth, and remember that God has not forgotten us. Advent reminds us that:
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Light breaks into our darkness.
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Hope is not wishful thinking, but a Person.
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God steps into our world, our fears, and our questions with His presence and His promises.
This year at Pond Hill Baptist Church, our Advent theme is:
“The Light Has Come!”
Each week we’ll focus on a different way Jesus brings light into our lives — Hope, Guidance, Joy, and Life — through the eyes of key people in the Nativity story.
Every Sunday will include worship, Scripture, a special Advent reading, and a live nativity character sharing “their” story in a creative, engaging way.
We’d love for you, your family, and your friends to join us.
SERVICE TIME
Sundays at 10:30 AM
SERVICE LOCATION
85 Pond HIll Rd
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 239-7708
Advent Week 1
The Light That Gives Hope
The Old Testament prophets spoke of a coming Messiah — a Rescuer who would pierce the darkness with God’s light. Even when everything looked hopeless, God whispered:
“A Savior is coming.”
This first Sunday leads us to focus on hope rooted in God’s promises, not our circumstances.
This Sunday's Service Includes:
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Advent candle lighting: Hope
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Prophetic readings foretelling Jesus’ birth
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A dramatic monologue from a prophet
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Encouragement for those walking through uncertainty
Ways to Celebrate:
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Light a candle and pray, “Jesus, fill me with Your hope today.”
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Read one prophecy about Jesus (Isaiah 7, 9, or 40) and thank God for keeping His promises.
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Encourage one person who needs hope with a text, call, or handwritten note.
Advent Week 2
The Light That Gives Guidance
Simeon waited faithfully in the Temple, guided by the Holy Spirit, until he finally took the infant Jesus in his arms.
This week reminds us that God still guides His people — through Scripture, prayer, and His Spirit — one step at a time.
This Sunday's Service Includes:
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Advent candle for Guidance
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Readings from Luke 2
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A first-person portrayal of Simeon
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A message on hearing God’s voice and following His lead
Ways to Celebrate:
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Pray each morning: “Lord, show me my next step today.”
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Read Psalm 25 or Proverbs 3:5–6 and reflect on God’s direction.
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Take 5 minutes of quiet (no phone, no noise) to listen for God’s leading.
Advent Week 3
The Light That Gives Joy
Mary responded to God’s call with surrender, trust, and a deep, soul-level joy that broke into song:
“My soul magnifies the Lord!”
This week reminds us that joy isn’t found in perfection or circumstances — but in the presence of Jesus.
This Sunday's Service Includes:
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Advent candle for Joy
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Readings from Luke 1
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A dramatic monologue from Mary
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A message about choosing joy in every season
Ways to Celebrate:
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Read Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46–55) and thank God for His goodness.
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Look for one moment of joy each day—write it down or share it with someone.
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Do one small act of kindness to share Christ’s joy with someone else.
Advent Week 4
The Light That Gives Life
This final Sunday brings us to the miracle of Christmas — Jesus has come. The angels declared:
“Good news of great joy for all people!”
Jesus is not just the Light of the World — He is the Life that conquers sin, fear, and darkness.
This Sunday's Service Includes:
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Advent candle for Life
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Readings of the Christmas story
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A dramatic monologue from an angel
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A message celebrating the birth of our Savior
Living Nativity (After Church Service)
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Walk through our outdoor living Nativity
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Experience the story with costumed characters
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Enjoy a free petting area for kids and families
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Take Christmas photos and create meaningful memories
Ways to Celebrate:
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Read John 1:1–14 and reflect on the gift of Jesus coming near.
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Speak life over someone—offer encouragement, forgiveness, or a blessing.
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Give generously to someone in need (food, time, resources, or kindness).
Christmas
The Light Has Come
The final candle in the Advent wreath is the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Day.
This candle celebrates the moment all of Advent has been leading toward:
Jesus, the Light of the World, has come.
The waiting is over.
Hope has a name.
Light has entered the world.
Salvation has come near.
Though we don’t gather for a special service on Christmas Day, here are simple, meaningful ways you and your family can celebrate the Light of Christ in your homes.
Ways to Celebrate:
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Light a Candle and Read the Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-20)
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Pray together as a family.
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Share Christ's light through kindness!