Hanging of the Greens Worship Service
Hanging of the Greens
An Advent Worship Service
Prelude
Welcome
Through the centuries Christians have observed a time of
waiting and expectation before celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus. The Advent
season is a time for reflection and preparation. Are we ready for the Advent
of Jesus into our hearts? As we decorate our worship space, let us make room
for the birth of Emmanuel—"God with us."
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*Hymn: Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus"
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HS 201 |
*Invocation
*Response
The Sanctuary Greens
The garlands 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 symbolize eternal life; holly is a symbol of joy and
peace; wreaths of holly represent 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.
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Hymn: "Of the Father’s Love Begotten"
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HS 220 |
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.
Scripture: Isaiah 60:13
The Poinsettias
Poinsettias are the flowers of Christmas. They are growing
things; their beauty is alive in splendid color. They call us to 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 cruel cross that lay ahead for the King of
Glory. And underneath, the carpet of green, the reflection of abundant life.
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Hymn: "I Wonder as I Wander"
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HS 251 |
Candles
The Christmas season is symbolic of light, beginning with the
star that guided the Magi 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 choose to be a disciple, we
become light to the world.
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Hymn: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
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HS 211 |
The Nativity
When we display a nativity in our sanctuary, it is an attempt
to remind us of the simple, yet profound story. God reaches out to all of humanity—the
powerless and powerful, the meek and the proud, the outsiders and the
"in-crowd." There were wise men and shepherds, there was a mother
and a father, there were angels and innkeepers. We join these witnesses and
kneel at the manager, overwhelmed by God’s expression of love for us.
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Hymn: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
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HS 248 |
Advent Wreath
This wreath and candles are formed in a circle to remind us of
the continuous and eternal nature of God’s love. Each of the candles on the
perimeter represents an Advent theme of joy, hope, love, and peace. The center
white candle represents Christ as the "Light of the World." We will
mark the weeks of waiting for the Advent of the baby Jesus into our lives by
lighting a candle each week.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6
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.
Continue ringing bells as the closing hymn is introduced and
sung.
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*Hymn: "Sound over All Waters"
*Prayer of Blessing
*Response
*Postlude
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HS 261 |
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