For more than four decades, Augsburg University has ushered in the Advent and Christmas seasons with Advent Vespers, a magnificent experience of music and liturgy focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation.
46th Annual Advent Vespers: Guide Our Feet Into the Way of Peace
As nations war and hostility deepens, fear and cynicism take root in our hearts and our communities. We begin to accept the pain of this world as inevitable, even necessary. In times like these, God sends prophets to point us in a new direction, to remind us of God’s loving intentions for the world. Our Vespers theme this year comes from the song of Zechariah, an aging priest who rejoices at the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah prophesizes that his child will “go before the Lord to prepare his ways.”
A few months later, God’s promised hope, Jesus, will be born in Bethlehem. But through Zechariah and John, Elizabeth and Mary, God’s hope in us never wavered. While peaceful times may feel far off, we join the defiant song of Zechariah that points towards a future day when the fullness of God’s shalom dawns once again in our lives.
Dates and Times
Friday, December 5, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m
Location
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Cost
Advent Vespers is free to the public with a suggested donation of $30 per person. Please consider giving online through the donation portal below, or when you reserve your seats. Donation envelopes will also be available at the church for each service.
Reservations and Seating
Reservations for Advent Vespers are strongly suggested and must be made online through the link below. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your reservations now, and we’ll see you in December!
Parking
Parking is free at Central Lutheran Church with proof of your Advent Vespers order. You may show your order confirmation or your seating envelopes upon arrival at the parking lot. There will be signs and people with flags to guide you to each of the various entrances. Visit Central Lutheran’s Parking & Directions page for more information.
Accessibility
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to attend this event, please email vespers@augsburg.edu.
Advent Vespers Devotional
As part of Advent Vespers, we offer a digital daily devotional throughout Advent tied to our Vespers theme using scripture texts and hymn stanzas with reflections by members of the Augsburg community. The 2025 edition will be available for download in November 2025.
Support Vespers
Augsburg University’s Advent Vespers services are funded solely by generous individual contributions. Your donation today will directly support students, staff, and faculty in continuing this majestic tradition. Make your contribution today.
Volunteer with Us
Interested in volunteering at this year’s Advent Vespers? We would love for any Augsburg staff, alumni, or current students to help support in handing out programs, collecting seating envelopes, and greeting guests as they arrive for each of the services.
Email the team at vespers@augsburg.edu with questions.