Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year—a four-week season leading us toward the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25.

The word Advent means “coming,” and the season invites us into preparation rather than performance, waiting rather than rushing, longing rather than perfectionism. Advent teaches us to make room for Christ.

In these weeks, we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus in three movements:

• Remembering His first coming—as we rehearse the story of the Incarnation and His birth in Bethlehem.

• Recognizing His coming to us now—as the Savior who breaks into our own lives with mercy, forgiveness, and renewal.

• Anticipating His coming again—as we look toward His promised return and the restoration of all things.

Just as John the Baptist cried, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”, Advent invites us into simple practices that help us clear space in our hearts and homes for Christ. It is a season of holy expectation, a time to meet Jesus afresh as Savior and Lord.

Who was the real Saint Nicholas? What should we remember about him? And how does he connect to Advent?

Join us for a party in honor of the historic Bishop of Myra! We will eat a Mediterranean finger food dinner since Nicholas hailed from modern day Turkey; traditional Speculatius cookies and mulled wine (grape juice available for kids and adults!) are also on the menu.

In addition to our meal we will have several activities that teach us about St. Nick! He was known for his often secret generosity, so there will be some opportunities for following in his footsteps, as well as a chimney coin toss for the kids, crafts, and a visit from the Bishop himself. Those who leave their shoes at the door may find a surprise at the end of the night! Come join us for an evening celebrating what Christ did through Saint Nicholas, and what He can do through us!

Learn more about St. Nicholas here.

Las Posadas literally means “the inns” and is a festival where the participants re-enact Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging at numerous inns. Everyone will start together in one location, then walk to different stops (inns) where they sing a song (led by a mariachi band) seeking a place to stay. There will be a few people at each stop (inn keepers) who turn the group away with a response song. At the final stop, everyone is invited in and the festivities begin.

All are welcome to stay after the procession for a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and buñuelos, while the kids take a swing at a piñata. Everything will be held outdoors.

The program can be viewed here.

When: Wednesday, December 17th at 6:00pm. The procession will last from 6-6:30, with hot chocolate and piñata to follow.

Where: Soccer field at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232

Cost: Free!

A unique way to share the joy of the birth of Jesus is to join friends in caroling in a nursing home or in your neighborhood. You may not consider yourselves a great singer, but be sure you will bless those you sing Christmas carols too! 

All are invited to join us as we go neighborhood caroling and gather for hot drinks afterwards!

✨ When: 6:30pm
✨ Where: The Kraemer Home, 2007 Chittim Trail Dr.

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ in singing Christmas songs, hearing the story of Christ’s birth, and having a traditional candlelight.

When: 3:30-5:00pm

Where: Woehler Family Center (located behind St. Thomas Episcopal Church), 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232

Join us at 9:30am as we gather to continue the celebration of the Word of God taking on flesh in the incarnation. Bring a treat to share beforehand.