Worship focus
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Yokohama Union Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Advent with the theme of Peace, featuring the sermon “Mary’s Magnificent Magnificat” based on Luke 1:46–55 in both English and Japanese. The service includes Advent candle lighting (Hope and Peace), special music such as “Still, Still, Still,” “We Light the Advent Candles,” “Magnificat,” and traditional carols including “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Key worship elements
The liturgy includes a Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance, Passing of the Peace, Children’s Time, and a bilingual scripture reading of Mary’s song from Luke 1:46–55. Holy Communion is celebrated with an open table invitation, prayers of thanksgiving, and a sending prayer that commissions worshippers as people of peace in the world.
Communion and offering
All are welcome to receive Communion or a blessing, with two stations serving bread and juice, followed by quiet prayer. Offerings can be given in person or via bank transfer or credit card, reflecting the call to cheerful giving and support of YUC’s independent, self-supporting ministry.
Upcoming Advent and Christmas events
Upcoming events include the YUC Sunday School Christmas Pageant on December 14 (children to arrive by 8:30 am), the Tri-church “Lessons and Carols” service on December 14 at 6 pm at Christ Church, Christmas Caroling and gift deadline for the orphanage on December 21, and the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24 at 7 pm with refreshments afterward. The Advent wreath highlights Hope, Peace, Love, Joy, with the Christ candle at the center, and next week the candle of Joy will be lit.