The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Christmas at Our Temecula Church

Christmas will be here before we know it! Even if you haven’t started making plans for what you’ll do with family and friends this Christmas season, rest assured that the leaders at Sunridge Church have been planning Christmas events for months already. It’s not because we want to add more events to your calendar. It’s truly because we want to help you and your family celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus coming into this world as an infant—one of us. This historic event marks the beginning of His life here on earth. He showed us what it means to live in a perfect relationship with God. He taught us about the kingdom of God and demonstrated God’s power through the many miracles He performed. When the time came, He gave up His life to pay the penalty for our sin. Three days later, He was resurrected to new life so that we, too, can experience new life through faith in Him.

But it all started with His miraculous birth. Without His coming, we would still be walking in darkness, apart from God and without hope. But because He did come, we have hope—and that is a reason to celebrate. And celebrate we will!

At Sunridge, we have a variety of events scheduled. Some will give you time to reflect, while others will simply be fun and festive opportunities to enjoy the season with your church family. We hope you’ll join us for as many events as you can!

First Night: A Family Advent Celebration

The first event of the Christmas season is a favorite among many Sunridge attendees: our Advent celebration, which we call “First Night.” It will take place on the evening of November 29 at 5:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome!

The word advent means “coming” or “arrival.” When capitalized, it refers to the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve, during which we reflect on the arrival of Jesus and His promised return.

At First Night, families come together to enjoy a meal, sing Christmas hymns, and light the first Advent candle. Families also have the opportunity to make an ornament to hang on the Sunridge Christmas tree.

Because the evening includes dinner, there is a cost to attend, so be sure to sign up and reserve your spot!

Generations Christmas Event

On December 5, our Generations group will hold its annual Christmas gathering. Generations is our Temecula church’s group for adults ages 55 and older. If you’re in that age group, you’re invited! It will be a time of good food and fellowship—a chance to meet new friends and spend time with the people you already know and love.

In the weeks leading up to the event, there will be a table in the hallway after Sunday services where you can sign up, so be sure to stop by!

Preschool and Elementary Christmas Programs

The preschoolers and elementary-age kids at our Temecula church have been working hard to prepare special Christmas programs for you! On December 6, our preschoolers will perform, and on December 13, it will be time for our elementary students to shine.

Invite family, friends, and neighbors to hear the story of Jesus coming to earth and enjoy Christmas songs performed by some of our youngest (and cutest) church members!

Women’s Christmas Dessert

Another favorite Christmastime event at Sunridge is our annual Women’s Christmas Dessert. For this event, our Worship Center is transformed into a beautiful, festive space where delicious desserts are served. The evening includes music, an encouraging message, and plenty of time to fellowship with other women from our church.

The Christmas Dessert is also a great opportunity to invite friends, neighbors, and family members who might not normally attend church. Watch for sign-ups coming soon!

MomCo Hot Cocoa Fundraiser

MomCo is our Temecula church’s group for mothers of young children, and the group will host a hot cocoa fundraiser after church on December 13. There will be hot cocoa available for purchase, along with all the toppings you can imagine! Come grab a cup and stay awhile to enjoy some fellowship.

We hope you’ll support this amazing group, which ministers to mothers in our church and throughout the Temecula Valley.

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve is always a special time at Sunridge. The service features special music and an opportunity to sing some of our favorite Christmas songs together. You’ll hear a message of hope and a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. Bring your entire family and celebrate Jesus’ birth with us!

You can choose between two afternoon services on December 24: 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Childcare for infants through pre-kindergarten is available during the 2:30 p.m. service. Our Bridge Builders classroom, which serves children with special needs, will also be open during that service. All other children are invited to join their families in the Worship Center for a family-friendly service. The 4:00 p.m. service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.

Christmas Eve is a time when we welcome many guests to our Temecula church. If you’re a regular Sunridge attendee, take a moment to connect with some unfamiliar faces and help our guests feel welcome!

We sincerely hope to see you at our Christmas events this season. Each event has been carefully planned by our staff and volunteers, who want to help you celebrate the birth of Jesus in meaningful ways alongside your church family.

More details about some of these events will be coming soon, so be sure to listen for announcements on Sunday mornings and check your weekly Sunridge email.