This Christmas Eve, join us on the Modesto Campus for an all-campus, family-friendly gathering as we reflect on the joy and hope of the birth of our Savior. Our Cozy Christmas Eve gatherings will be a time of worship, scripture, and community, and include our candlelight moment, perfect for all ages to experience the joy of Christmas together.
December 24
Gathering Times:
12:30pm
2:00pm
3:30pm
Please note that there will be no childcare available for these gatherings, so all are encouraged to enjoy the time together as a family. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the birth of Christ together!
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, this guide offers a simple, reflective journey through Scripture, prayer, and questions to encourage gratitude, worship, and connection with God. Let this prayer guide inspire you to start Christmas morning with a joyful heart, peace, and reverence for Christ’s birth!
This resource provides a reference list of Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in the birth, life, and ministry of Christ. It’s a powerful way to see how God’s plan for salvation was foretold centuries before Jesus’ arrival, and how every promise was perfectly fulfilled. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture or simply reflect on the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth, this list is a valuable guide for exploring the prophetic foundation of the Christmas story. Perfect for small groups, personal reflection, or sharing with family and friends.
Walk through key prophecies in the Bible with this Prophecy Reading Plan, designed to help you trace the promises of God that pointed toward the coming of the Messiah. This plan will lead you through various prophecies in the Old Testament, showing how they connect to the events of Christ’s birth as told in the New Testament. Whether you’re looking to enrich your Advent season or simply grow in your knowledge of God’s Word, this reading plan is an ideal way to reflect on the deep significance of Christmas and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Celebrate the joy of the season with our collection of Christmas Carols. Singing traditional carols together is a wonderful way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. This list includes a mix of beloved classics and worshipful hymns, perfect for making memories and sharing the story of Christ’s birth with loved ones. Whether gathered around the tree or during family devotions, these carols will lift your hearts in song and praise.
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie
(Book available for purchase at The Nook).
Join us as we journey through the anthology Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. This book invites us to set aside the busyness of the season and cultivate a quiet, reverent anticipation for the wonder of Jesus’ birth. As part of our Book Club, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions with others, exploring how these reflections on Advent can transform our hearts and focus our celebrations on our Savior.
Enjoy time with your small group and find ways to serve others with this list of activities! Whether it’s serving together at a Christmas gatherings, making holiday cards for others, or enjoying a group dinner or potluck, these ideas offer fun and impactful ways to celebrate the season. These simple yet thoughtful activities will help your group grow closer, and offer ways to help make a difference in the community during this special time of year.
Three Gifts is a Christmas tradition of exchanging just three, meaningful gifts with your loved ones. Learn more about what it could look like to gift a “gold,” “frankincense,” and “myrrh” gift, reminding us of God’s greatest gift to us—Jesus!
MODESTO CAMPUS
Kids Choir & Hot Cocoa
Join us during gatherings for worship led by our Kids Choir & stick around after for hot cocoa!
CERES CAMPUS
Kids Choir & Fam Fest
Enjoy worship led by our Kids Choir & after the gathering, join us for food, games, and other activities at our Fam Fest!
GATHERINGS
Join us this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
Together we’ll hear the Christmas story, and spend time in worship and community as we reflect on the joy and hope of Christ!
DEC 20 | Friday – 6PM
(no childcare)
DEC 21 | Saturday – 6PM
(childcare available for birth-kindergarten)
DEC 22 | Sunday – 9AM & 11AM
(childcare available for birth-kindergarten)
DEC 22 | Sunday – 9AM & 11AM
(childcare available for birth-kindergarten)
GRADES 1-5
DEC 21 & 22 | Modesto & Ceres | During gatherings
What a bright time, it’s the right time…for a Gingerbread Bash! This is a fun and interactive event for grades 1st-5th. Kids will build gingerbread nativities, hear the Christmas story from the Bible, and discover that when we shine bright with God’s love, we too can lead people to Jesus.
New to Big Valley Grace or interested in visiting this season?
Check out the links below to learn more!
Our team would love to meet you! Grab a first-time guest gift bag and a hot cup of coffee. Let us know you’re coming by completing the form below, so we can connect with you before you arrive.
We have an amazing Kids Ministry with awesome volunteers! If you’re visiting with us and would like to drop your kids off while you attend the weekend gatherings, you can find more information on our kids page!