By Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

Advent has always been a season for holy imagination. Long before angels appeared in Bethlehem’s sky singing “Glory to God,” God was already dreaming. God was dreaming of a world filled with hope, shaped by peace, rejoicing in joy, and grounded in love. This year, our series Dreaming with the Angels invites us to step into that divine imagination and allow it to reshape our hearts and lives.

Each week, we will listen for the dreams that stirred the prophets, opened the eyes of shepherds, and even changed the course of Joseph’s life. My prayer is that these ancient visions will awaken something in us. May they renew our confidence that God is still dreaming the world toward goodness and still inviting us to be part of that dream.

Advent 1: Dreaming of Hope

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1–5

Advent begins in the dark, but it does not stay there. Isaiah offers a stunning image: nations streaming toward God’s mountain, learning peace instead of war, walking together in the light of God.

Hope, in Scripture, is not passive. It is not crossing our fingers or waiting for things to get better on their own. Hope is holy wakefulness. It is noticing the first glimmers of dawn even when night still feels long. As we begin Advent, we will look for the places where God’s light is already rising and for the courage it takes to stay awake to it.

Advent 2: Dreaming of Peace

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1–10

Peace begins in surprising places, like a green shoot emerging from a long-dead stump. Isaiah dreams of a world so rooted in the knowledge of God that predators forget to fear and creation finally rests.

This vision is beautiful and bold. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, mercy, and renewal. John the Baptist knew this when he cried out, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Peace is prepared, tended, and cultivated. This week we will consider how the peace God imagines might take root in us and what we may need to clear away so that something new can grow.



Advent 3: Dreaming of Joy

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–10

Joy is the sound of God’s dream taking hold. Isaiah describes the wilderness blossoming, the weak strengthened, the terrified encouraged, and the silence of sorrow giving way to singing.

Joy can feel elusive, especially in seasons of weariness or grief. Yet Scripture insists that joy is not dependent on ideal circumstances. Joy springs up in unexpected places like crocuses pushing through desert sand and often grows where we believed life had been drained away. During this third week of Advent, we will reflect on the joy that rises not from perfection but from the promise that God is making all things new.

Advent 4: Dreaming of Love

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10–16; Matthew 1:18–25

Before there was a manger or a star, there was a dream, Joseph’s dream. In it, an angel whispers the words that change everything: “Do not be afraid.”

Love, real love, always requires courage. It asks us to trust even when we cannot see the whole path. It invites us to open our hearts even when uncertainty surrounds us. It calls us to say yes even when we do not yet know how everything will unfold.

Joseph’s yes becomes the doorway through which God’s dream takes flesh in Jesus. This week, we will explore what it means to let love, brave and honest Emmanuel love, reshape our own lives and relationships.

Christmas Eve: Dreams Born in Bethlehem

Scriptures: Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 2:1–14

On Christmas Eve, all the dreaming of Advent finds its fulfillment. A great light shines. Angels sing. Shepherds run. Grace appears in the most unlikely place, a barn crowded with animals, a young couple exhausted from travel, and a child whose very presence tells the world that God is with us.

From this small beginning comes a dream large enough to hold every heart. Hope steadies us. Peace restores us. Joy lifts us. Love refuses to let us go.

As we move through this sacred season, I invite you to dream with me. Listen for God’s whisper. Watch the horizon for light. Trust that the same God who dreamed creation into being is still dreaming today and dreaming through us.

Don’t miss the promo video—click here or the video box below!

Advent Daily Readings:

Walking the Journey Toward Christmas

As we enter this holy season of Advent, we are invited to slow down, listen deeply, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Each day offers a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on God’s promise of hope, peace, joy, and love.

This year, we are using the Daily Lectionary selections from The Revised Common Lectionary (Vanderbilt Divinity Library). These readings guide us through the story of God’s unfolding promise—from the prophets who dreamed of redemption to the Gospel testimonies preparing the way for the Messiah.

You can access the full set of Advent readings directly HERE.

Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

The worst sermon I have ever delivered was on Christmas Eve, 1994, at Sandy Springs Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Back in June of that year, Julie and I—along with Nate, who was four, and Steven, who was due in late November—had moved across the country from San Diego to begin a thrilling new adventure in the heart of the South. It was my first call as a Senior Minister.

The fine people of that wonderful congregation could not have been more welcoming. We experienced southern hospitality at its best. Those first months went well, with just the occasional glitch as I learned what it really meant to serve as a senior leader.

I especially loved preaching every week. The weekly call to bring a word was tougher than I expected, but my inner youth minister took over, and I decided simply to have fun every Sunday, sharing messages of hope and grace for all. That’s exactly what I did, and the folks there responded warmly to their “crazy new preacher from California.”

Everything was going well—until Christmas Eve.

Early in December, for some long-forgotten reason, I decided I was going to give a sermon that “exegetically, theologically, and hermeneutically” made absolutely clear the true and serious meaning of Christmas. And yes… in case you’re wondering, I used the words “exegetical,” “theological,” and “hermeneutical” in the sermon. Yes. I. Did. It was that bad.

To make matters worse, the sermon was at least 29 minutes long. I knew it was going poorly, but I just kept going. The music that night was amazing, though, and the people left—hopefully—with at least a glimpse of Christmas joy.

On the way home, with our two little boys strapped safely into their car seats, Julie turned to me and asked, “So, umm… did you like your sermon?”

Sheepishly, I replied, “I know it was terrible. I cannot believe I thought that approach was a good idea.”

Julie’s response was gracious and wise. She said, “Your content was great. It would have been an excellent adult Bible study or Sunday school class. But people don’t come to church on Christmas Eve looking for an explanation. They come wanting to experience wonder and joy. They want to hear heaven and nature sing. And most importantly, they want to believe that somehow, in some way—even if only for a moment—the miracle of this night is true.” It was the best preaching lesson I have ever received.

The next morning, Christmas Day, I sat quietly feeding five-week-old Steven while watching Julie help Nate play with his brand-new, Santa-delivered toys. And I realized she was absolutely right. I didn’t need an explanation. The miracle of Christmas Eve was coming true in our little home that very morning.

Rev. Sarah Kientz, Minister to Camp Akita and Youth

James 5:7-8, “Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

In Norway, there is a saying about winter: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” I heard this on a cold, rainy dog walk. In my boots and parka, I listened to NPR’s Life Kit, a podcast that offers advice on everyday problems. This episode featured wisdom from Kari Leibowitz, author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. As the rain seeped through my parka, I thought, “Tell me everything.”

Leibowitz traveled the world and gained insight from our Scandinavian siblings. Here is her wintertime advice:

• Prepare a cozy space. Don your sweaters and flannel sheets. Brew hot chocolate and play soothing music. Ditch the overhead light and opt for candles and soft lamps. Make your home a snuggly refuge.
• Embrace nature’s beauty. Bundle up for a winter walk. Notice the frosty grass, patterns of the clouds, and moonlight on snow. Express gratitude for our beautifully distinct seasons.
• Enjoy homey activities. Break out jigsaw puzzles, knitting, painting, or watching old movies—all those things you’re “too busy” for in summer.

But my favorite advice? Allow yourself to slow down. Trees drop their leaves, geese migrate, and mammals hibernate—and yet, we think nature’s patterns don’t apply to us. They do! God did not make our bodies to be equally energized throughout the year. Take naps, long baths, and slow walks. And as your body rests, flex your mind. Write in a journal, learn something new, or get creative. Embrace winter as a season of reflection and rest.

From a spiritual perspective, this is exactly what Advent asks of us. Something big is coming—prepare yourself. And despite our modern urgings, this preparation comes not from long hours at the desk or gym. Instead, wait for the Lord like a farmer watching the cycles of rain. No need to strengthen your muscles; instead, “strengthen your hearts.” Sometimes readiness comes from slowing down, turning our faces to the sky, and practicing patience. And that’s exactly what winter offers.

As I came in from the rain and unclasped the dog leash, I heard a final nugget of inspiration from Life Kit. Leibowitz says that winter can prepare us for life’s inevitable hardships: “We’re all, at some point in our lives, going to be sick, going to be grieving, where we’re going to have a forced slowdown. And so, if you’ve practiced that seasonally every year, maybe you’re better able to meet that head-on and take that slow season that you need when it arrives.” Goodness is coming, as is hardship. What a blessing, that winter prepares us for both.

Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan, Minister of Pastoral Care

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overwhelm it. (John 1:1-5)

We closed on our new home just two days before heading out of town for Thanksgiving. At 7:15pm, we turned the lock on our brand new home, stepped inside the cold, dark, echoing living room, and hugged each other tightly. There was no time to move in, so we only brought the essentials:

1. A quilt
2. A bottle of champagne
3. Pizza
4. The Christmas tree

For a myriad of stressful reasons, just a few hours earlier, we weren’t certain that we would even end up with the house. We had prepared ourselves for the worst, hoped for the best, and when it finally happened, rather than feeling excited… we were just exhausted, relieved, and worn down. With bellies full of pizza (and champagne) we laid down under the glow of the tree in silence.

I thought of Mary.

On that dark night under the glow of the stars, the Light of the World was born. I imagine she, too, was exhausted, relieved, worn down. And yet, there, right in the midst of the uncertainty, worry, and overwhelm, was Light. There was Hope. There was Unimaginable Love. There was Jesus.

Just when we think we know the story backwards and forwards, the Spirit steps in offering us a fresh understanding of all that happened on that night in Bethlehem. When the darkness threatens to overwhelm, plug in the tree, light a candle, look up…for the Light of the World is coming.

Rev. John Girard, Executive Minister

Every year, as Advent begins, the familiar strains of The First Noel drift back into our radios and routines. It’s one of the oldest English carols we sing—simple, repetitive, almost childlike. And yet, its message is profound: God’s great “yes” to humanity was first spoken not in a palace, nor before a crowd, but in the quiet fields of an ordinary night. The shepherds, the most overlooked people of their day, were the first to hear heaven whisper, “Noel”—which means “news,” “good news,” “a new birth.”

What strikes me every Advent is how unremarkable that night must have seemed to the shepherds just moments before the angels appeared. They were doing what they always did—tending, watching, waiting. Nothing felt sacred. Nothing felt special. But it was precisely in their ordinary, weary rhythms that God broke in with a message of astonishing hope.

Advent invites us into that same posture. We may be busy preparing for Christmas, carrying stress from family, work, or church life; or perhaps we’re simply unsure how God might speak into the “ordinary” seasons we’re navigating. But The First Noel reminds us that God is already drawing near—often in places we don’t expect. The shepherds weren’t looking for angels, yet the angels found them. They weren’t seeking a Messiah that night, and yet the Messiah’s birth was for them, too.

As we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season, maybe the invitation is simply this: Be attentive. Look up. Let your everyday moments become holy ground.

Just as the shepherds followed the light of a single star, we are invited to follow the small glimmers of God’s presence—an encouraging word, an unexpected kindness, a moment of quiet prayer—trusting that each one leads us closer to Christ.

May The First Noel be our reminder that God still breaks into the world in surprising ways, still chooses ordinary people to carry extraordinary news, and still whispers good news into places that feel dim or weary.

And may we, like those first astonished shepherds, respond with wonder, welcome, and joy. Noel. God is with us.

Blessings on your Advent journey.

Rev. Seth Stearns, Minister of Spiritual Life & Learning

The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among brothers,

To make music in the heart.

Howard Thurman

Christmas can be a time for reflection. It’s a time to ask questions like, “What does the celebration of the coming of the Christ mean to me?” Luke 1:26-38 reports the story of the angel coming to Mary to tell her that she will bear a son named Jesus. The story ends with her declaration that she will make herself open and available to God’s will: Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” After this, the angel departed from her.

This last section of the text is referred to as Mary’s fiat. Fiat is translated as, “Let it be”. The story portrays her willingness to allow God to become present through her. She agrees to set aside her own will to allow God’s will to take form on the earth.

Perhaps that is our calling this Christmas season, to allow God’s presence to be born into the world through us. Maybe Christmas calls us to bring forth God into the world in the form of finding the lost, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, releasing the prisoners, rebuilding nations, bringing peace to our brothers and sisters, and to make music in the heart. Perhaps this is exactly what God’s presence looks like, born over and over again on this earth through each of us.

(Pictured: Annunciation – Caravaggio)

In 1935, when Dr. Roy Burkhart became Senior Minister of First Community, a cherished tradition began: the First Rose of Advent was delivered to one of the church’s “Sweethearts” as a symbol of goodwill, affection, caring, and blessing during the Advent season.

Ninety years later, that meaningful tradition lives on. This year, Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Glen Miles presented the First Sweetheart Rose of Advent to longtime and beloved church member, Pat Porterfield.

Pat’s journey at First Community began 71 years ago, and she fondly recalls her time with Dr. Burkhart as being “about as close to heaven as you can get.” Today, her life remains deeply rooted in the life of the church, and her energy is tireless when it comes to serving others.

She often says she has formed more friendships after the age of 80 than at any other time in her life. Pat remembers the small details about the people she meets—little things that add warmth and deepen the many relationships she has built.

Pat volunteers across a wide variety of ministries: she greets parishioners on Sunday mornings at South; helps at the Heart to Heart food pantry; coordinates Monday Night Meals to support our neighbors without homes; knits hats and scarves so those in need can stay warm; and even knits sleeping mats from recycled plastic grocery bags to offer a softer place for unsheltered individuals to rest. She collects clothing for Hope Resource Center, volunteers at the church garage sale, and helps with camper check-ins each summer for Camp Akita. As a devoted member of Women’s Guild Q, Pat also serves on the Women’s Guild Executive Committee as Correspondence Secretary—and so much more!

Pat likes to say she only gets involved in things she truly enjoys, which may be the clearest indicator of her full and generous heart for others. It’s no wonder so many consider her a treasure in our church family.

If you would like to join our Sweethearts and receive a rose during the Advent season, please contact Jane Torbica at (614) 488-0681 ext. 235 or at jtorbica@FCchurch.com. 

Wednesday Gathering |December 3, 5:30 pm|

Wing Grace Hall

As we move into this sacred season of anticipation, we invite you to join us for a special Christmas-themed Wednesday Gathering on December 3. Rev. Dr. Glen Miles will lead an engaging presentation titled “What Really Happened on the First Christmas?”—an exploration of the nativity story that looks beyond the familiar images to consider the historical and theological truths at its heart.

This evening will offer a thoughtful look at the first Christmas, mixed with seasonal fun, including a Christmas quiz with prizes, time for conversation, and the warm fellowship our Wednesday nights are known for.

We’ll begin with a simple, family-friendly supper of chicken nuggets, salad, and cookies at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, followed by the program at 6 PM.

Come as you are and bring a friend as we enter Advent with curiosity, joy, and community.

Harmonies of Hope

Wednesday, December 10 |Dinner at 5:30 PM |

Concert at 6 PM | FC North

Join us for Harmonies of Hope: A Common Grace Christmas Worship Concert — a joyful evening of music, community, and celebration. This special night will feature inspiring contemporary and traditional Christmas music led by the Common Grace Band, along with a festive sing-along for all ages.

Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, where we’ll serve warm French toast casserole, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a bright medley of fresh fruit, offering a delicious start to an evening of shared community. Concert begins at 6 PM. Bring your family and friends to share in an evening that lifts the spirit and celebrates the true hope of the season!

Don’t miss the promo video—click here or the box below!

Celebrate Christmas Eve at First Community

You are warmly invited to join us this Christmas Eve as we gather in joyful expectation of Christ’s birth. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of a family service, the beauty of Lessons and Carols, or the wonder in a child’s retelling of the Nativity, there is a place for you here. Come as you are, bring those you love, and experience the hope, peace, joy, and love at the heart of this holy night.

Below you’ll find a variety of worship opportunities across both campuses—we hope you’ll be part of this meaningful celebration.

4 PM | FC South – Sanctuary

Traditional Children’s Service

Join Early Childhood Director Leigh Anne Easterling and Rev. Sarah Kientz for this special children’s service featuring the Christmas story and the holy family.

5 PM | FC North – Wing Grace Hall

Family Service

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community clergy, and the Common Grace Band for a contemporary family service filled with music and celebration.

6 PM | FC South – Sanctuary

Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community clergy, and choir for a traditional service of scripture, carols, and candlelight.

8 PM & 10 PM | FC North – Sanctuary

Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community clergy, the combined choirs, and orchestra for a traditional Lessons and Carols service offered at two evening times.

The Will to Dream: Advent Devotional

This Advent, we are embracing a season shaped by sacred imagination as we listen for God's dreams of hope, justice, and new possibilities. To support that journey, we are using The Will to Dream, a rich and reflective devotional created by Illustrated Ministry.

Illustrated Ministry is known for producing thoughtful, justice minded, beautifully designed spiritual resources for churches and families. Their work centers on creativity, storytelling, accessibility, and radical welcome, and their devotionals are written with warmth, honesty, and deep theological grounding. Families and individuals of all ages use their materials to nurture faith through art, imagination, and meaningful reflection.

The Will to Dream fits perfectly with our Advent theme. Each week offers a story, scripture, and reflection questions that help us enter this holy season with open hearts. The themes of hope, peace, joy, love, and courage mirror the themes in our worship and invite us to notice where God is calling us to dream alongside Christ.

Because of licensing restrictions, we are not able to print or publicly post the devotional. We are permitted to share it privately within our congregation. You may download and print the devotional for personal use or view it on your computer or device.

We hope this resource enriches your Advent season and helps you imagine how God's dreams are unfolding in and around you.

Copyright and Licensing Information

© 2025 Illustrated Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. Provided under a non-exclusive limited license for internal non-commercial use by our congregation only. This resource may be distributed by individual private transmission only to our program participants. It may not be posted publicly on websites, social media, or shared in any manner that makes it accessible to those outside our congregation.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For complete licensing terms, see the copyright page in the devotional. 

The Will to Dream: Advent Calendar

Alongside our Advent devotional, we are also using Illustrated Ministry’s The Will to Dream Advent Calendar. This beautifully illustrated resource offers a simple daily practice that helps individuals and families enter the season with curiosity, imagination, and joy. Each day features a prompt, reflection, or small action that encourages you to pause, notice God’s presence, and dream with hope.

As we explore what it means to dream with God, this daily calendar provides gentle invitations to slow down, breathe, pay attention, and take small steps toward a world shaped by peace, love, and sacred imagination.

Because of licensing restrictions, we cannot print or publicly post the calendar. However, we are permitted to share it privately with our congregation. You are welcome to download and print the calendar for personal use at home or view it digitally.

We hope this daily practice helps center your Advent and opens space for God's dreams to take root within you.

Copyright and Licensing Information

© 2025 Illustrated Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. Provided under a non-exclusive limited license for internal non-commercial use by our congregation only. This resource may be distributed by individual private transmission only to our program participants. It may not be posted publicly on websites, social media, or shared in any way that makes it accessible to those outside our congregation.

For complete licensing terms, please refer to the copyright information contained in the resource.

Camp Akita Winter Rental Specials

Winter at Camp Akita is one of the most peaceful, beautiful seasons of the year — and now is the perfect time to plan your getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat, a family weekend, or a small-group gathering, our cabins offer comfort, quiet, and the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills in winter.

From December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, enjoy a 20% discount on any new reservation made after December 1, 2025.

This special applies to all Camp Akita rental cabins, making it easier than ever to plan a winter escape.

Explore cabin descriptions and amenities at campakita.org/descriptions.

To ask questions or reserve your cabin:

📧 rentals@campakita.org

📞 (614) 488-0681 ext. 113

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy Camp Akita at a special winter rate — book your stay and experience the quiet beauty of the season.

Camp Akita Store Christmas Sale – All December Long!

This December, give the gift of Akita! The Camp Akita Store is hosting a special Christmas Sale all month long, with markdowns on every item — including plenty of fun and meaningful stocking stuffers perfect for friends, family, counselors, and campers.

You can shop the sale in two convenient ways:

• In person on Sundays or Wednesdays at The Gathering
• Online anytime at fcchurchmerch.com/campakitastore

This year’s sale also features custom-made Akita Christmas ornaments crafted by First Community member Glenn Zook. These beautiful keepsakes make wonderful gifts, and all proceeds support Camp Akita Scholarships, helping more campers experience the joy of Akita.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

📧 store@campakita.org

📞 (614) 488-0681

Don’t miss your chance to share a little Akita spirit this Christmas while supporting a great cause!

This newsletter occasionally uses AI tools, including ChatGPT, to assist with drafting content. All materials are carefully reviewed by our communications team.