"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:8-14, KJV
Hanging of the Greens
An Advent Worship Service
The Sanctuary Greens
The garlands which we hang in the sanctuary have long been a part of Christmas observances. Laurel and bay leaves symbolize victory and triumph; the yew and the cypress, eternal life; holly was a symbol of joy and peace; wreaths of holly represented the unending, timeless nature of such qualities. These greens remind us of the timeless nature of the Christmas message, and the eternal dimension of the Gospel. In our own day, when the relationships of nature and human technology seem so disruptive, the greens remind us of the need to rediscover the earth as God's glorious and delicate creation.
The Window Greens
Of all the Christmas symbols, none is more familiar than the evergreen. Its use during this season is common throughout the world, both as simple decoration and as the Christmas tree. Long before the birth of Christ, evergreens were used as an emblem of eternal life. Now, as a Christian symbol, the evergreen represents Jesus Christ, who is eternal life.
The Altar Greens
Poinsettias are the flowers of Christmas. They are growing things; their beauty is alive in splendid color. They call us the celebrate the world about us and share its beauty in the place where we worship. The poinsettia is a vivid plant, full of meaning. A cluster of small yellow flowers springs forth from among crimson leaves, which themselves contrast sharply with the remaining green leaves of the plant. The star-shaped formation of the red leaves suggests the guiding star of Bethlehem. The crown of yellow flowers reminds us of Him who was born the infant King. The blood-red leaves foreshadow the the cruel cross that lay ahead for the King of Glory. And underneath, the carpet of green, the reflection of abundant life.
Candles
The Christmas season is symbolic of light, beginning with the star that guided the Wise Men to the house where Jesus lived. The Christian use of candles is symbolic of Christ as "Light of the World." As such, Jesus illuminates our spiritual darkness. When we receive Him, we become lights in the world as the light of His life is seen through us.
The Ringing of the Bells
For centuries, church bells have pealed out the glad tidings of the birth of Jesus. In Bethlehem, city of the nativity, it has become a tradition to usher in Christmas Eve by the ringing of bells. As their tones scatter over the countryside, they are a reminder - just as the voices of angelic hosts so long ago - that Christ is born.
There is another symbol that remains in place when the trees and greens are gone. It occupies the central place and is the very heart of this life. It is the cross, and its message is not separate from the stories of the Christ child. For Advent is but a beginning; it is the first chapter of the life of One who came and lived and died. As Advent is hope, so is the cross. As Advent is peace, so is this symbol of human violence. As Advent is joy, so is this symbol of human pain. As Advent is love, so is this symbol of human hatred. In a sense they are similar - Advent and the cross - for both are really a beginning.
Hanging of the Greens
The Sanctuary Greens
The Window Greens
The Altar Greens
Candles
The Ringing of the Bells
There is another symbol that remains in place when the trees and greens are gone. It occupies the central place and is the very heart of this life. It is the cross, and its message is not separate from the stories of the Christ child. For Advent is but a beginning; it is the first chapter of the life of One who came and lived and died. As Advent is hope, so is the cross. As Advent is peace, so is this symbol of human violence. As Advent is joy, so is this symbol of human pain. As Advent is love, so is this symbol of human hatred. In a sense they are similar - Advent and the cross - for both are really a beginning.
