Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living

The theme for December at NVCSL is “Follow the Star.” Explore the topic at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. The youth program is at 10:30. On Dec. 23, a special candlelight service is held at 7 p.m., and on the morning of Dec. 31, a world peace vigil is held at 4 a.m. 1249 Coombs St., Napa. Info, 252-4847.

Napa Valley Baptist Church

Napa Valley Baptist Church presents “Main Street Bethlehem 2007,” a recreation of the night Jesus Christ was born. Free. Dec. 7, 8 and 9, 6:30-9 p.m. Info, 252-2100.

Grace Church of Napa Valley

Join the church for this year’s Christmas musical, “Home for Christmas,” a heartwarming Christmas musical for the entire family. Performances scheduled for Dec. 7, 8 and 9, at 7 p.m. 3765 Solano Ave., Napa. Info, 255-4033.

Seventh-day Adventist Church

The topic for the Napa Seventh-day Adventist Church’s service on Dec. 8 is “It’s a Wonder Full Life,” by Pastor Marvin Wray. Worship service begins at 11:15 a.m. 1105 G St., Napa. Info, 252-2444.

Free concerts

The 50-voice massed choirs of Napa Christian Campus of Education, with Harlen Miller as director, Pacific Union College Prep School with John Gilley as director, with Opus 1 Chamber Ensemble with John Armstrong as director, perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria (RV 598) plus sacred choral selection for the holiday season. Pacific Union College holds their concert on Dec. 8, 7 p.m., at the Paulin Hall, 1 Angwin Ave., Angwin. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church holds their concert on Dec. 9, 3 p.m., at 981 Napa Street, Napa. All are welcome. Free parking is available at each venue.

First United Methodist Church

Join the church on Dec. 9, at 9:30 a.m. as they ADVENTure through the waters with music from the Cathedral Choir. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, the church holds a “Very Giving Christmas” in the fellowship hall. Local community agencies that provide services to needy families offer gift cards for purchases of clothing, food and other items for children and families in the area. This free event is located at 625 Randolph St., Napa. Info, 253-1411. On Dec. 16 is the Families with Young Children Nutcracker Ballet Event at 2 p.m., at the Yountville Lincoln Theater. Info, Lincoln Theater at 944-1300.

First Presbyterian Church

All are invited to the free 12th Annual Christmas Concert presented by the St. Helena First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. Enjoy the carols, soloist and a Hallelujah chorus sing-along. Stay for the reception following the concert. Info, 963-1255 ext. 10. The concert takes place at the church at 1428 Spring St., in St. Helena.

Dedicatory Concert

Grace Episcopal Church holds a dedicatory concert on Dec. 9, 3 p.m., featuring Dr. Roger Nyquist. Nyquist is the remarkable legacy of the renowned pedagogue and performer, Arthur Poister, lives on through the brilliant playing of his pupil, Roger Nyquist. An internationally-known organ virtuoso and recording artist, Mr. Nyquist is in continual demand as a recitalist and master teacher. Technical mastery, rhythmic energy, faithfulness to score, absolute cleanliness (with every note audible) and power of musical expression are the ever present elements in a Nyquist performance. 1314 Spring St., St. Helena.

Unitarian Universalist

Rev. Dr. David Sammon, a professor at Starr King Seminary, Berkeley, speaks Sunday, Dec. 9, on “Reverence and Other Off-Putting Theological Words like G*d,” at the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship of North Bay. “We have often heard theological words misused in the past,” Dr. Sammon says, “Yet this language points to things that have special qualities ... the words that help us talk about whatever it is that’s sacred and holy and help us feel what we all should feel: a reverence toward life.” The fellowship meets at 11 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley, 1515 W. Pueblo Ave., Napa. Visitors are welcome and child care is provided. Info, 254-7443

Christmas Drop & Shop

St. John’s Lutheran Church presents Christmas Drop & Shop, where they provide free childcare for struggling or needy parents so they can do some Christmas shopping. There will be Christmas crafts, toys and playtime, plus a bonus gift bag to get holiday shopping started. They will even provide free gift wrapping when you return. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3521 Linda Vista Ave., Napa. Dec. 15, noon to 4 p.m., in the preschool building. Please R.S.V.P. to 255-0119 (English), or 259-1785 (Spanish).

Vocali! Concert

“Lighting the Way,” an inspirational concert for the Advent season, features sopranos, Vaida Falconbridge and Lisa Van Stuijvenberg, accompanied by Francesca Fanelli (piano and harp). A guest appearance is made by soprano Lisa Jounah. Wine and refreshments served at intermission. $10 admission for adults, $5 for students. Dec. 16, 3 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 981 Napa St., Napa. Info, 688-2614.

Unity Church

“The Other Wiseman” Christmas Play is held at Unity Church on Dec. 16. The third candle, representing Love, on the Advent Wreath is lit. The Christmas play, directed by Rosemary Schneider, is based on Henry Drummond’s classic, with a dramatic ending. On third Sundays, foodstuffs are brought in for the Napa Food Bank. At 11:30 a.m. is the monthly potluck. Unity Church meets at 10 a.m., at the historic Welcome Grange, 3275 Hagen Road, Napa. Info, 255-6881 or www.unitychurchnapavalley.org

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“Living in the Light” is December’s theme at Unity Church. On Dec. 9, the second candle on the Advent Wreath is lit for Peace, peace within and peace around us. “Light Shines in the Darkness,” overcoming life’s challenges through living in the light is the title of Dr. Richard Southern’s talk at the 10 a.m. service. Music by Lon Eakes. Unity Church meets at 10 a.m., at the historic Welcome Grange, 3275 Hagen Road, Napa. Info, 255-6881 or www.unitychurchnapavalley.org

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Dec. 23 is Christmas Sunday at Unity Church. The fourth and final candle, representing Joy, is lit on the Advent Wreath, as the birth of Christ in Jesus and in all is celebrated. The service features candles, carols, Christmas readings and Communion. Rev. Robert Norton speaks on “Behold the Light.” Music by Lon Eakes. Unity Church meets at 10 a.m., at the historic Welcome Grange, 3275 Hagen Road, Napa. Info, 255-6881 or www.unitychurchnapavalley.org

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The Annual Burning Bowl Ceremony at Unity Church is held Dec. 30. Let go of the past and look forward to the future as we observe this beautiful ceremony led by Rev. Robert Norton and Juanita Hoover, LUT. Rev. Robert speaks on “What Have You Got to Lose?” Music by Lon Eakes. Unity Church meets at 10 a.m., at the historic Welcome Grange, 3275 Hagen Road, Napa. Info, 255-6881 or www.unitychurchnapavalley.org

Christmas concert

First Christian School invites the public to a Christmas Concert by students, preschool through middle school, on Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. Come hear the children sing Christmas carols old and new from the “Every Knee Shall Bow” collection. Refreshments follow in the Activity Center. 2659 First St., Napa. Info, 253-7226.

Community Church

of Lake Berryessa

The church offers a new home group meeting the first and third Mondays of each month. A Christmas gift giveaway, sponsored by Catholic Charities, occurs at the church on Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sign up to participate in the program. Sunday services are at 10 a.m., with children’s ministries and nursery provided. Various mid-week groups, activities, fellowship and weekly food distribution are available. 6008 Steele Canyon Road at Moskowite Corners. Info, 252-4488.

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Community Church of Lake Berryessa is currently looking at how to put into practice God’s love and hope in the local community. Community Church of Lake Berryessa’s desire is to be a church of people making life better for the community through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Sunday services are at 10 a.m., with Sunday School and nursery provided. Various mid-week groups, studies, fellowship/activities, NA and a weekly food distribution available. 6008 Monticello Road (Moskowite Corners). Info, 252-4488.

Christmas pageant

United Methodist Church St. Helena holds the Children’s Christmas Pageant on Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. All children in the community are invited to participate. No practice necessary. Only requirement is an animal or angel costume. 1310 Adams St., St. Helena. Info, 963-8784.

Napa Valley Evangelical

Free Church

The Napa Valley Evangelical Free Church invites the community to a Christmas Eve service from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 24. It will be a time of reflection, worship, singing and candlelight celebration regarding the birth of Christ. Regular Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. There are also weekly dinners, Awana Children’s program, and Adult Studies on Wednesday nights beginning at 5:45 p.m. 1050 Hagen Road, Napa.

New Year’s Eve celebration

Cornerstone Ministries presents New Year’s Eve Celebration events. There is a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, featuring a free concert by Roby Duke from 7-9 p.m. Also on Dec. 31 is the New Year Revolution Youth Event, with a free concert by Burning Tree Projekt and Hazel & Vine. Doors open at 10 p.m. Events are held at Cornerstone Ministries, 3305 Linda Vista Ave., Napa. Info, 252-2909.

Crosspointe Community Church

How does a person express their faith on a daily basis? The Epistle of James says Faith can be measured by what we do. Come visit Sunday mornings to look at practical thoughts on living by faith. Service begins at 9:30 a.m. with light contemporary worship. Child care provided from nursery through grade 5. Crosspointe is located at 1625 Salvador Ave., Napa.  Info, 255-3033 or www.crosspointenapa.org

Protestant services at Veterans Home Memorial Chapel

The Protestant Congregation at the Veterans Home of California offers worship Sundays, 10:15 a.m., at the Memorial Chapel, located across the street from the administration building on the grounds of the Veterans Home. Info, 944-4841.

Foothill Christian Fellowship

The mission is to assist all those who are committed to taking their lives to the next level through personal, spiritual and professional success. Come enjoy the live band play contemporary music and experience the friendly atmosphere. Sunday service begins at 10:30 a.m. Kids’ classes include Noah’s Park: Little Ones (up to age 2), Noah’s Park: Juniors (ages 3 to 5) and Kidsquake (ages 6 to 11). Weekday services include Youthquake on Thursdays, 7 p.m., with almost 100 teens enjoying live music and human video; Celebrate Recovery on Fridays, 7 p.m., a help and support group to overcome life’s issues; Saturday Night Live, 7 p.m., an alternative service that is a little louder and more lively, and more. 2898 Laurel St., Napa. Info, 255-2893.