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Holiday Highlights
Christmas is a special time of year at Advent Christian Village, so much so that the community has frequently been dubbed “Advent Christmas Village.” The administration and staff strive to offer a joyous holiday to each resident. The community is dressed in its holiday attire, setting the stage for the full calendar of events offered throughout the month of December.
Sunday, December 6 at 6:30
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is the official kick off for the season, with the community gathering in the Village Church for a Christmas carol sing. The event continues outside, where the children of the community help pull the “switch” that lights the Village Christmas tree and the entire campus. A stroll through the grounds to view the festive lights will be followed by a celebration in the Phillips Center, with an appearance by Old Saint Nick.Saturday, December 12 at 6:30 pm
& Sunday, December 13 at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
For over 30 years, an annual highlight has been The Village Church Christmas Cantata, drawing people from all over North Florida and South Georgia. This year’s presentation is entitled, “Make a Joyful Christmas Noise.” This is an inter-generational production with a cast and crew of over 75 children, teens, adults and senior adults joining in drama and song to capture the Christmas story in a fresh way each year. A three-octave hand bell choir is featured, along with trumpets, guitar, percussion, piano and organ. To ensure adequate seating, tickets are required, but are offered at no charge at the Church office. Tickets are not required for the Sunday morning performance.
Tuesday, December 22 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
The President’s Reception, hosted by Village President Craig Carter and his wife Vicky, provides a time for the Carters to personally offer their Christmas greetings to each resident. Rumph dining room will be dressed in holiday style, as gifted musicians perform a collection of holiday favorites and residents are offered their fill of Christmas goodies.Thursday, December 24 at 6:30 pm
A time of reverent reflection is offered at the annual Christmas Eve Communion Service at the Village Church. The Chancel Choir will present sacred Christmas selections. Village Church Pastors present the Christmas story from the scriptures and communion is celebrated, accompanied by the melodies of Christmas favorites on organ and guitar.Friday, December 25 from 10:45 am - 1:45 pm
The culmination of the season is the Christmas Banquet at Rumph Dining Room. So that no one is left out, the Village offers a holiday banquet at no charge for ACV members. Friends and family members may join residents by making prior reservations and purchasing tickets at the door. The Dining Services staff outdoes themselves in providing a sumptuous holiday meal, and volunteers from the Village administration and staff make it part of their holiday tradition to serve the residents.In addition to these events, there are numerous smaller parties and festivities to keep everyone in the holiday spirit all month long. Without a doubt, the holidays are a perfect time for Advent Christian Village to express Christ’s love to those within the community and throughout the area.