Come and be a part of our Advent and Christmas celebrations where there is something for everyone.
Advent and Christmas speak of a God who breaks into our world, coming and walking with us as one of us, sharing our hopes, fears, vulnerabilities and joy. This is no distant and remote God, but the Word-Among-Us. For the most up-to-date service dates and times, please check our events calendar.
Advent and Christmas Services and Concerts 2025
Candlelit Advent Procession (Sunday 30 November, 7.00pm): In this atmospheric candlelit service we journey from darkness to light, with beautiful music, readings and prayers, which help us prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Doors open at 6.30 pm and the service begins at 7.00 pm. Book tickets.
Christingle (Sunday 7 December, 2.00pm): Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope. All are welcome! Christingle making and crafts from 2.00pm, Christingle service at 3.00pm. We will be raising money for The Children’s Society.
Christmas by Candlelight Concert (Sunday 14 December, 7.00pm): Join the Choir of All Saints and Brighton Voices for a celebration of Christmas, with favourite Christmas music and sing-along carols and songs. Doors open at 6.00 pm. Please note, this is a ticketed event and there will be no tickets available on the door. Book online or contact the Parish Office to purchase tickets. Book tickets.
Nine Lessons and Carols (Sunday 21 Dec, 7:00 pm): Join us for a traditional service of Nine and Lessons and Carols, with well-known readings and music including beloved Christmas carols. Doors open from 6.30 pm with mulled wine and mince pies available after the service. Book tickets.
Children's Crib Service (Wednesday 24 Dec, 3:00 pm): A joyous interactive telling of the Nativity Story for all ages. Join us as we hear the Christmas Story, sing carols and bless the crib. Come dressed as your favourite character from the Nativity. Doors open from 2.30 pm.
Midnight Mass (Wednesday 24 Dec, 11:30 pm): Celebrate the first Eucharist of Christmas on this Holy Night, in a candlelit church with music from the Choir of All Saints. Doors open at 11.00 pm.
BCP Mass for Christmas Day (Thursday 25 Dec, 8:00 am): Celebrate Christmas with a beautiful simple service according to the Book of Common Prayer.
Festal Mass for Christmas Day (Thursday 25 Dec, 10:00 am): Celebrate Christmas with festive music at All Saints.
Advent
Advent is a season of expectation as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also as judge and saviour at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us to Christ’s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement. The Four Last Things—death, judgement, heaven and hell—have been traditional themes for Advent meditation. The characteristic note of Advent is therefore expectation, rather than penitence. Advent focusses on the key people who were prepared and chosen by God to make possible the incarnation of his Son. Our eyes are drawn to the Blessed Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Elizabeth and Zechariah; and our Old Testament readings focus upon the prophets who look towards the coming of the Kingdom of God. Advent, then, is the season of promise and hope. ‘O Rising Sun, you are the Splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.’ (from the Great Advent Antiphons).
Christmas
The celebration of Christ’s incarnation at Christmas is one of the two poles of the Christian year. The wonderful mystery of God’s dwelling among us in the fullness of humanity, as Emmanuel, foretold by the prophets and born of Mary, provides the material of the feast:
Hark, hark, the wise eternal word,
like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
and God in cradle lies. (Thomas Pestel)
Christmas is much more than simply the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The task of the Christmas liturgy is to recall us, amid all the joyful customs and celebrations of Christmas, to this central truth of the Word made flesh for our salvation. O come, let us worship.