Behold

Advent & Christmas 2026

The word, ‘Behold,’ appears 1,134 times in the Revised Standard Version’s translation of the Bible. Behold signals divine announcements or moments of wonder. The word is from the Old English word bihaldan or behealden, combining the prefix bi- (thoroughly) with healden (to hold). Behold, literally, is “to hold thoroughly.” Over this Advent season, we will slow down, pay attention, and learn to hold thoroughly the promise of Jesus Christ.

Service of Hope & Light – December 6
A Service of Hope & Light is a service to help bring hope & light to those who are struggling at this time of year. Some come because they are lonely, estranged or far from home. Others come suffering from illness or addiction or abuse. Some come who are overwhelmed with worry for loved ones or our world, grief, conflict. We are not alone. Come and rest in Hope & Light on Sunday, December 6 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with refreshments afterward in Crossroads.

 

Music Sunday – December 13

  • On Sunday, December 13, the Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra present “A World of Christmas” by Joseph Martin at the 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Traditional Services. Featuring carols and melodies from around the world, we remember that the noisy babble of hate and prejudice melt into joyous anthems of unifying praise in this season as we celebrate the Christ Child, our Prince of Peace.
  • Our Contemporary Worship Team will present a “Joy” Music Sunday Service at 9:35 a.m. in the CLC Worship Gym! Come join us as we anticipate the Good News of Great Joy through a variety of Advent songs and carols! A cookie reception will follow in the CLC lobby.

 

Christmas Eve – December 24
Join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at one of our Christmas Eve services on Thursday, December 24!

  • 10:30 a.m. – Children’s Services, Sanctuary & CLC
  • 12 p.m. – Communion & Candlelight Service, Sanctuary (Traditional)
  • 3 p.m. – Communion & Candlelight Service, CLC (Contemporary*)
  • 5 p.m. – Communion & Candlelight Services, Sanctuary (Traditional*) & CLC (Contemporary)
  • 7 p.m. – Communion & Candlelight Service, Sanctuary (Traditional)
  • 9 p.m. – Communion & Candlelight Service, Sanctuary (Traditional)

*Livestream Services on YouTube

 

Christmas Eve Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to help serve on Christmas Eve! Sign Up link coming soon!

 

Sunday After Christmas – December 27
On Sunday, December 27, we will offer 2 worship services:
9:35 a.m. Contemporary and 11:00 a.m. Traditional.
Both services will be live streamed on YouTube.

 

YouTube Page

Advent Devotional – Eyes to See: Beholding Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Sometimes, grace begins with a second look. In the rush of our days, it can be easy to pass by the quiet ways God draws near. This Advent, we pause to look again: for hope taking shape in uncertainty, peace finding room amid tension, joy surprising us along the way, and love meeting us in ordinary acts of care. Through Scripture and the stories of our lives, we practice seeing with fresh attention, trusting that God is present even when that presence is difficult to recognize.

As we await Christ’s coming, may our eyes become more open to God’s presence and our hearts more ready to respond.

To request a printed devotional booklet, Register Here.

An Unlikely Advent – Advent Bible Study

Join an Advent Bible Study through one of our participating Sunday School classes or small groups. This year’s churchwide study, An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story by Rachel Billups, invites us to see the familiar Christmas story through fresh eyes. Together, we will explore how God works through unexpected people and unlikely circumstances to bring hope into the world.

 

College Christmas Reunion – December 13
Details coming soon!

 

Encore Christmas Party – Thursday, December 17
Join Encore (55+) in the Apex UMC Fellowship Hall on Thursday, December 17 at 11:30 am for a joyful Christmas celebration! We’ll enjoy a delicious catered lunch from Ruckus, Christmas cheer, and wonderful fellowship together. After lunch, the fun continues with our White Elephant Gift Exchange! Please bring a wrapped item from your home that is festive, funny, or simply ready for a new home. No need to buy anything new. Just bring something you’re willing to pass along, and remember, the more fun and unexpected the gifts, the merrier the exchange! The registration cost is $15 per person. Please register HERE and come celebrate Christmas with Encore!

 

Adventure Kids Extreme – December 18
is an evening of fun for children and their youth leaders. Our goal is to build community by sharing a pizza dinner, playing games and enjoying inflatables indoors. This special Christmas edition of Adventure Kids on Friday, December 18 is expanded!  We are inviting preschoolers (must have turned 3 years by 08/31/2026) through 5th grade.  We’re also playing longer, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. Parents, it’s a great chance to get some shopping done or have a dinner date!  All are welcome, even if you have not been attending Sunday School. The cost to participate is $20 per child, $50 max per family, which covers the cost of dinner and all games. Register no later than December 13!

Christmas Store
There are many families in southern Wake County who do not have adequate resources to purchase gifts for their children at Christmas time. They find themselves struggling just to make ends meet for the necessities of life. Additionally, there are many other people in this area who have abundant resources. They find themselves wanting to help their neighbors, but they do not know what the need is or how to help. The purpose of the Christmas Store is to bring these two groups together. 

Beginning November 1st you can take a tag from one of the Christmas trees in Crossroads, the CLC and the Discipleship Center. You purchase new toys/gifts appropriate to the age and gender on the tag and place the gift under the tree with the tag attached by December 6. The Store will be held this year at United Church in Apex on December 11 and 12. Parents will have the opportunity to “shop” for gifts for their children from the donations we help provide. This is a great opportunity to involve your kids in a generosity lesson for the holidays. Contact Mary Morris at marymorris115@gmail.com with questions. Thank you for your generous support. https://christmasstorenc.com/

 

Feed the Children
1 in 5 children in the Triangle go hungry every day. Feed the Kids (FTK) takes action against childhood hunger in our community by providing weekend meals and snacks to food insecure kids through several local schools. Not only does FTK help individuals become healthier children, but it also enables them to be fully engaged students. FTK currently delivers shelf-stable food to eight schools feeding 178 kids each week. Our ministry is constantly in need of individually packaged breakfasts, snacks, ramen, and canned meat. Please leave donations in the bin marked Feed the Kids in the traffic circle at Apex UMC (near Crossroads). If you would like to volunteer with Feed the Kids or for more information, please visit the website: feedthekidsnc.org! Thanks so much for your continued support.

Christmas Poinsettia
Order poinsettias to be displayed in our worship spaces this Advent and Christmas season in honor or in memory of loved ones. Plants are $16 per dedication and will be placed in worship on Sunday, December 13. The deadline to place an order online is 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6.

Poinsettias will be placed in worship on Sunday, December 13.

Poinsettias may be taken home on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Questions? Contact Sarah Moore at sarah.moore@apexumc.org

Order a Poinsettia

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

Apex UMC will be participating in the The Apex Rotary Club Christmas Parade again this year!
It is being held this year on Saturday, December 5, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m.

Come enjoy the warmth of the CLC Gym for hot cocoa, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Stop in on your way to or from the parade, or stay a while and enjoy fellowship with other community members.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up the space, serve hot chocolate and Christmas cheer to visitors in the CLC lobby, and clean up after. Please click here if you can help.

Apex Parade Info

Handbells on Salem Street

On Wednesday, December 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., our Apex UMC Adult Handbells will be playing in the Downtown Apex Fire Station as part of the “Jingle and Mingle” holiday event sponsored by the Town of Apex. Festive activities, hot chocolate, and specialty menus from local businesses will be available for all ages. Holiday or winter-themed outfits are encouraged!

Apex Town Website