Christmas at First UMC San Diego

Christmas Joy in an Unfinished World

The world isn't perfect, and neither are our lives. Uncertainty, challenges, and unfinished work are part of the world we live in. Yet even here, joy finds a way in.

This Advent and Christmas, First United Methodist Church of San Diego invites you to discover the joy of the season through meaningful worship, beautiful music, festive gatherings, and opportunities to share God's love with others.

Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate, a moment of peace, or a way to make a difference, there's a place for you at First Church. 

Christmas Events

Blue Christmas

Poinsettias & Giving

Christmas Eve

Advent Worship: Christmas Joy in an Unfinished World

What does it mean to experience joy when the world around us feels uncertain or incomplete? This Advent, we explore the surprising, resilient, and life-giving joy at the heart of the Christmas story. Join us as we discover where Christmas joy finds us—in complicated circumstances, through our doubts, in ordinary moments, and in the sharing of our lives with others. 

We offer two services: Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary & Livestreamed on YouTube at 9 AM and our contemplative Tapestry Service in Trotter Chapel at 11 AM.

Join Us for Sunday Worship

Sunday, November 29 | Joy When the World Feels Unsteady, Matthew 24:36–44
Sunday, December 6 | Joy in a Complicated World, Matthew 3:1–12
No Tapestry December 6; join our Christmas Fest!
Sunday, December 13 | Joy That Survives Doubt, Matthew 11:2–6
Sunday, December 20 | Joy Enters Ordinary Life, Matthew 1:18–25
Sunday, December 27 | Joy Is in the Sharing, Luke 2:25–40
Sunday, January 3 | Joy Still, Matthew 2:1–12
Sunday, January 10 | Joy in the Newness, Mark 4:1–11

Celebrate Christmas Together

There are so many ways to experience the joy of the season! Gather with family, friends, and neighbors for special events and music at First Church.

Family Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 6 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Linder Hall

Celebrate the season with a festive gathering for the whole family! Join us for a morning of Christmas fun, connection, and holiday cheer—including carols, BINGO, and delicious food. Sign up in advance and receive an early bird discount! This event is kindly hosted by United Women in Faith.

Register Online


Advent Collage Concert

Saturday, December 12 | 4–6 PM | Sanctuary & Livestream | Free Childcare

This special concert brings together First Church's youth and adult music ensembles for choral and instrumental selections, congregational carols, and beloved Christmas music. The program includes Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols and selections from Messiah and The Nutcracker.

Concert Details

A Place for Peace: Blue Christmas

Sunday, December 20 | 2–3 PM | Trotter Chapel
Christmas isn't a joyful season for everyone. Grief, loss, loneliness, and difficult circumstances can make the holidays especially challenging. If you're carrying sadness or remembering someone you love, you're not alone. Join us for a contemplative service offering space for reflection, remembrance, and comfort. Come as you are. There is room for every emotion at Christmas.

Learn More

Share the joy of Christmas

There are many ways to share the joy of the season. Whether you're helping brighten a child's Christmas, remembering someone special, or supporting the ongoing ministry of First Church, your generosity makes a difference.

Angel Tree Logo

Angel Tree: Share Christmas with a Child

Sponsor Christmas gifts through Prison Fellowship to share a parent’s love and make the season brighter.
$30 per child

Sponsor a Child

poinsettia

Poinsettias: Bring the Beauty of Christmas

Fill our sanctuary with Christmas beauty by purchasing a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone special.
$20 per plant

Request Poinsettias

2026 Christmas Offering

Christmas is about sharing God's love with the world—not just for one day or one season, but throughout the year. Through our special Christmas and year-end offering, you can help First Church light up Mission Valley and beyond with the joy of Christmas year-round.

Make a Christmas Gift

Celebrate Christmas Eve at First Church

All Christmas Eve services: In person in the Sanctuary and online, and end with candlelight!
5 PM | Children's Nativity
Children and youth lead a retelling of the nativity story.
7 PM | Traditional Worship
Scripture readings, beloved carols, and candlelight.
9 PM | Traditional Worship
A late-night Christmas Eve worship opportunity.

Watch Online

Join Us In Person

There's a Place for You at First Church

Whether you're joining us for worship, attending a concert, celebrating with family, or looking for a moment of peace, we welcome you this Christmas.

At First United Methodist Church of San Diego, we believe in radical grace, extravagant love, and Divine justice for all people and creation. 

Plan Your Visit