From the Manger: Advent & Christmas at Trinity UMC 2025
This Advent, we gather around a simple, surprising place: a feeding trough in a town called Bethlehem... the House of Bread. Jesus arrives not in power or perfection, but in the middle of real life: the noise, the hunger, the hope, and the deep aches we carry.
From the manger, God meets us right where we are.
Not after everything is sorted out.
Not once life feels calm or put together.
But in the very heart of our ordinary, complicated, beautiful lives.
Our 2025 Advent theme, From the Manger, invites us to explore how Christ continues to nourish a hungry world—with hope that grows quietly, with peace that settles into our chaos, with love that takes on flesh, and with joy that rises even in uncertain days.
If you are longing for grounding, renewal, or simply a place to belong this season, come experience Advent and Christmas at Trinity United Methodist Church.
There is room for you here... at the table, in the story, and in the light that begins in a manger.
All are invited, and all are welcome!
From the manger, God meets us right where we are.
Not after everything is sorted out.
Not once life feels calm or put together.
But in the very heart of our ordinary, complicated, beautiful lives.
Our 2025 Advent theme, From the Manger, invites us to explore how Christ continues to nourish a hungry world—with hope that grows quietly, with peace that settles into our chaos, with love that takes on flesh, and with joy that rises even in uncertain days.
If you are longing for grounding, renewal, or simply a place to belong this season, come experience Advent and Christmas at Trinity United Methodist Church.
There is room for you here... at the table, in the story, and in the light that begins in a manger.
All are invited, and all are welcome!
Daily Bread with Trinity: Advent for Real Life... One Day at a Time.
Each day of Advent, we’re offering a short reflection, a simple prayer, and a moment to breathe. These daily social media posts are made for real life... messy schedules, tender hearts, and anyone longing for a little hope. Join us as we walk toward Christmas one honest, grace-filled day at a time.
You can find them on our church Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Click the graphics or scan the QR codes below.
Our friends at Illustrated Ministries, the creators of this Advent theme, have created a daily devotional for your use. Due to copyright issues, please contact Pastor Jen for a link to the Illustrated Ministries online Daily Devotional.
Print versions will be made available on request.
Print versions will be made available on request.
From the Manger Advent Sermon Series- 11/30-12/21
Week 1- Hope- 11/30: "Choose Your Bread"
With Guest Preacher Rev. Craig Dorval
Luke 2:7; Isaiah 2:1-5
With Guest Preacher Rev. Craig Dorval
Luke 2:7; Isaiah 2:1-5
Week 2- Peace- 12/07: "One Day at a Time... This is Enough"
Luke 2:14; Luke 10:1-6
Luke 2:14; Luke 10:1-6
Week 3- Joy- 12/14: "Joy Rising"
Luke 2:20; Luke 19:1-10
Luke 2:20; Luke 19:1-10
Week 4- Love- 12/21: "Love that Feeds the World"
Luke 2:30-32; Matthew 9:35-37
Luke 2:30-32; Matthew 9:35-37
Additional Ways to Worship and Reflect this Advent:
Saturday, December 21st at 5 PM-
Blue Christmas Worship Service
"Blue Christmas" services are quiet, contemplative services that are typically held on the evening of December 21, the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better.
The Holidays can be challenging... especially for those who are experiencing loss or depression. You are not alone. We hope you will join us.
Blue Christmas Worship Service
"Blue Christmas" services are quiet, contemplative services that are typically held on the evening of December 21, the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better.
The Holidays can be challenging... especially for those who are experiencing loss or depression. You are not alone. We hope you will join us.
Wednesday, December 24th at 6 PM-
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service
Join us on Christmas Eve for a beautiful, joy-filled, and deeply meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth. This family-friendly service blends tradition, warmth, and wonder as we welcome the Light of the World into our hearts and community.
Experience the beauty of Christmas through:
*Holy Communion, open to all
*A special moment with our children
*Traditional carols and beloved Christmas hymns
*Our peaceful candlelight ceremony
As the service concludes, we will join together to sing “Silent Night” by candlelight, filling the sanctuary with soft, shimmering light. Then, in a powerful act of carrying Christ’s love beyond our walls, we’ll process into the streets with our candles, sharing a visible reminder that hope still shines in the darkness.
This sacred celebration is open to everyone... longtime members, first-time visitors, families with children, neighbors passing by, and anyone longing for peace, joy, and belonging on Christmas Eve.
You’re invited to be part of this holy night when love came down and hope was born.
No reservations needed.
All are welcome at Trinity United Methodist Church.
3030 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA 92104
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service
Join us on Christmas Eve for a beautiful, joy-filled, and deeply meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth. This family-friendly service blends tradition, warmth, and wonder as we welcome the Light of the World into our hearts and community.
Experience the beauty of Christmas through:
*Holy Communion, open to all
*A special moment with our children
*Traditional carols and beloved Christmas hymns
*Our peaceful candlelight ceremony
As the service concludes, we will join together to sing “Silent Night” by candlelight, filling the sanctuary with soft, shimmering light. Then, in a powerful act of carrying Christ’s love beyond our walls, we’ll process into the streets with our candles, sharing a visible reminder that hope still shines in the darkness.
This sacred celebration is open to everyone... longtime members, first-time visitors, families with children, neighbors passing by, and anyone longing for peace, joy, and belonging on Christmas Eve.
You’re invited to be part of this holy night when love came down and hope was born.
No reservations needed.
All are welcome at Trinity United Methodist Church.
3030 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA 92104