It is Advent, a time marked by the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. A time of preparation and anticipation of Emmanuel—God is with us. United Methodists across the Dakotas are preparing and waiting, sharing the Good News.

Pastor Don Vanderlip, Southern Hills UMC in Sioux Falls, helped prepare the Dec. 2 live nativity.

Living nativity at Southern Hills UMC. Southern Hills United Methodist Church is Sioux Falls, South Dakota held its 27th annual Living Nativity December 2, 2023, featuring interactive scenes with characters and live animals. The event is a collective effort by church members takes several weeks to put together.  “It’s a fantastic event that provides hope for so many people. It really kicks off the holiday season. People look forward to this every year,” said Rev. Don Vanderlip.

Painters at the Pierre First UMC Christmas Market showing their paintings.

Christmas Market held at First UMC in Pierre. The Christmas Market was an amazing day with people in the community stopping by to visit, eat, shop, listen to some very talented musicians, ask questions about the beneficiary Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Attendees could learn how to paint, make some really cool things, and to watch the story of Christ's birth.

A girl at a past Elf Project in Velva.

Velva UMC holds Elf Project on Saturday, December 2. Children in grade 6 and younger can shopped for Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Items at the annual Elf Project were donated from members of the congregation and local businesses. Items are priced at a very reasonable rate allowing children to purchase. Volunteers helped shoppers make a shopping list, make their selections, and wrapped their presents. Watch a video of a past Elf Project.

Faith UMC in Fargo, North Dakota, holds thirtieth living nativity. Faith United Methodist Church is also getting into the holiday spirit. The church hosted its outdoor live nativity complete with snacks, music and animals. The live nativity is a performance with actors and animals that tells an important story from the Bible about the birth of Christ. Rev. Ray Baker said, “We love putting on this production every year. It’s a time where all the neighbors and people throughout the town can come and celebrate a joyous time. Remembering the birth of Christ but also having the live music outside is fun, and then going inside where there is cider and coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies.” Watch a news story about this year's Fargo Faith UMC live nativity.

Do you have special Christmas tradition at your church? Please share it with us. Advent is upon us, and that means the sights and sounds of holiday decorations, cherubs, and nativities are all around us. Share advent  stories, photos, and videos with the rest of the Dakotas Conference email dakumcom@dakotasumc.org or text 605-770-8540.

Sights and Sounds of the season from across the Dakotas Conference.