Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services in Manhattan, KS
Experience the wonder of Christ's birth through reverent, historic worship rooted in Word and Sacrament.
Not a performance. Not a holiday show. A holy encounter with Christ who comes to serve His people.
Why a Traditional Christmas Service Matters
Christmas does not need more glitter, hype, or noise. What we need is peace, stillness, truth—Christ Himself.
Experience the depth and joy of Christmas through historic worship that feeds the soul.
Stillness for the weary
Hope for the anxious
Truth in a confused world
Christ at the center — not us
What to Expect
At Christ Lutheran Church, worship is centered on Christ and His gifts. We follow the historic liturgy of the Church—Scripture, prayer, hymns, and the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen.
Our Christmas services are not entertainment or emotional spectacle, but the Divine Service, where Christ Himself comes to serve us through Word and Sacrament.
- Traditional liturgy
- Candlelight & sacred music
- Scripture-rich readings & preaching
- Quiet reverence
- Christ-centered preaching
- All are welcome
Advent & Christmas Services in Manhattan, KS
While the rest of the world is decking the halls the day after Thanksgiving, Christians have long entered the season of Advent with quiet and reverent expectation. Advent means "coming" and is the time we anticipate the coming Messiah with special focus. As the secular year draws to a close, our church year begins here with the hope of the Incarnation and of Jesus' final coming. We travel again through the Advent story and beseech Christ to remember His people and to preserve us until the final day.
Our Advent services prepare our hearts for Christmas and center our minds on the coming of Christ. Each week focuses on a different theme. This tradition dates back to the 16th century. Each week we light a new candle in anticipation of Christmas Day. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are distinct and complement one another. We encourage you to attend both. Come and experience the joy and anticipation that comes from participating in the Christmas merriment in its historic season.
If you are searching for Christmas services in Manhattan, KS, Christ Lutheran Church offers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship each year. We welcome neighbors from Manhattan, Junction City, St. George, Wamego, Ogden, Westmoreland, and across Riley and Pottawatomie counties.
The next Christmas service schedule will be posted here when dates and times are confirmed.
Advent Services
- Week 1: The first Sunday in Advent is the liturgical New Year and is called "Ad te levavi" — "To you, O Lord, I lift up [my soul]" (Psalm 25:1).
- Week 2: "Populus Zion" reminds us that the Kingdom of God is near and calls us to stay awake in prayer.
- Week 3: "Gaudete" brings a joyful respite in this penitential season and renews hope as the Nativity draws near.
- Week 4: "Rorate coeli" — "Drop down, ye heavens" —as we light the final Advent candle and complete our preparation for Christmas.
Christmas Services
Christmas Service for Families & Children in Manhattan, KS
We offer Sunday School for children through age 14, and youth are welcome to join adult Bible study. Children remain in worship—Christ calls the little children to Himself, and we do too. A quiet room is available if needed, yet we rejoice to hear families in the pews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be Lutheran?
No — all are welcome.
Is there a kids program?
Children remain in worship. We offer Sunday School for children at 9:30 AM on Sundays.
What should I wear?
Come as you are.
What is a Divine Service like?
Come and see how Christ serves His people through Word and Sacrament. Learn more about the Divine Service here.
Do you celebrate Communion?
We celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday. When seasonal Christmas services are scheduled, service notes will indicate whether the Lord's Supper is celebrated. At Christ Lutheran Church, we practice closed Communion, the ancient practice rooted in the Apostles. Those who do not yet confess the Scriptural teaching of Christ's Supper are invited to learn more in a new member class before communing. Members in good standing of congregations in fellowship with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are warmly invited to the altar. If you have questions, please contact us or learn more about what we believe.
What is the Church year?
Throughout most of Christian history, the Church’s year (often called the liturgical year) has taken a particular twofold shape as Christians have taken two of the great mysteries of our faith—our Lord’s Incarnation and his Resurrection—and made them into the high points of our year. The liturgical year, then, revolves around two cycles: the Christmas cycle centered on our Lord’s Incarnation and the Paschal cycle centered on his Resurrection. You can read more here: https://allthehousehold.com/the-liturgical-year/.
Find Us
We are located at 4592 Green Valley Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502—just north of the Nelson's Ridge subdivision and a short drive from Junction City, St. George, Wamego, Ogden, and Westmoreland.
Ask About Christmas Services
Send a question or ask to receive the confirmed Christmas schedule when it is posted.