It's the most wonderful time of the year! We have many opportunities to celebrate the Season of Advent,
both in-person and online.

Opportunities to Give

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, Old South has several opportunities to give to the wider community. Learn more by clicking here.

Advent 2025: Precedented Times

The world feels as if it is spiraling out of control.  Institutions that once seemed sturdy teetering, national commitments abandoned, rights under attack.  How is a Christian to understand these days?  For Advent, we will be offering a devotional resource called Precedented Times: A Handbook for the End of the World.  

Why Precedented Times? Because the scriptures are written by and for people who are seeing the world change before their eyes. From slavery to freedom, from security to exile, from exile to homecoming, from hope to despair to resurrection. Scripture tells us how to live faithfully in times of great change. This devotional is written by members of the church, sharing testimony of where they are seeing God. We will post an online link to the devotional here, and in December you can grab a physical copy in church.

Upcoming Events

If These Walls Could Talk: 150 Years of Old South Church on Boylston Street

Saturday, December 6th at 7pm

It’s been 150 years since Old South Church moved into our historic building at 645 Boylston Street. Join us for a celebration of the church’s storied legacy with a special concert program, If These Walls Could Talk: A Celebration of Sanctuary in the Heart of Boston, followed by a fun reception in the Chapel. The concert will be viewable by live stream as well. RSVP here.

Advent Poetry Fest

Sunday, December 7th at 10am in Mary Norton Hall

Do you have a favorite seasonal poem or short prose selection? Have you written a poem, prayer or brief meditation that sheds light in the Christmas story? We invite you to come and share it! Selections can be humorous, serious or thought provoking...but all reflecting some aspect of the season.
 
Readers will have up to 3 minutes to introduce and share their offering. Please sign up to read by contacting Don Wells at granwell@comcast.net by Wednesday, December 3rd, along with the title of your selection. We can accommodate 15 or so readers.
 
If you choose not to read, please come and join us to listen and enjoy! It will be a wonderful occasion!

Old South Ringers Concert: With Anthems Sweet

Sunday, December 7th at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary and via live stream

The Old South Ringers are proud to present our annual Christmas Handbell Concert on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 6:30pm. Fun for the whole family, this beloved tradition will delight you with arrangements of beloved Christmas carols and songs that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Come and hear us in person if you can or join us online. Admission is free.

Children's Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 14th at 9am First Worship 

The kids of Old South have been hard at work rehearsing for the annual Christmas Pageant, and you don't want to miss it! Join us in the Gordon Chapel for this spectacular, funny, heartwarming event.

Blue Christmas: Thursday Night Church Edition

Thursday, December 18th at 6pm in the Chapel and via live stream

The Christmas season is not always the most wonderful time of year. Blue Christmas holds space for those who have experienced loss, those who mourn violence and oppression, those who experience anxiety for what is to come, those who feel a complicated mixture of joy and sadness, and everyone in between. On Thursday, December 19th at 6pm, we will gather for an evening of readings and song, art and prayer, to acknowledge the fullness of our heavy lives during this holiday season. Even if you love the holidays, you may find comfort in this special service.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services

Wednesday, December 24th at 5pm, 8pm and 11pm

We offer three unique candlelit services on Christmas Eve, the first two of which will also be viewable via live stream. We hope you can join us!

5 pm Candlelight Family Service

Children are invited to participate in an impromptu Christmas pageant, with simple costumes provided. We sing carols to tell the Christmas story together.

8pm Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols

An elegant telling of the Christmas story in carols and readings with music for choir and organ, culminating in the singing of “Silent Night” in our candle-lit sanctuary. Childcare provided upon request - email children@oldsouth.org. 

11pm Candlelight Communion

A warmly traditional service with festive carol singing, traditional lessons, and communion in our garland-bedecked Sanctuary. We greet the birth of Christ by singing "Silent Night" outdoors by candlelight just after midnight.