About the Hanging of the Greens
The service is designed to prepare our hearts and our church building (worship center/sanctuary) for the celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons.
In its origins, the church folk brought decorations (garlands, wreaths, trees, ornaments, etc.) from their homes and hung them in the meeting house. In those days, the church sanctuaries looked more like a patchwork quilt with the variety of decorations… much unlike the ordered, symmetrical decorations most of our committees will have prepared to adorn our modern churches! It might be fun one year to decorate willy-nilly like that again… kind of like a bring-a-dish dinner! However, I’m not about to take on the “Committee for the Decoration of the Sanctuary during Special Seasons.”
Keep at the back of your mind that this service ushers Jesus in to the season… it’s more like a winter Palm Sunday than a decorating service.
There is no formula for the order in which these things happen; arrange them to make the most sense for your situation.
Here are a few explanations of the some of the symbols you may want to use:
§ Evergreens (garlands) symbolize everlasting life; being brought in from their wintery sleep, they testified to the continuation of life; these can also represent the life of Christ.
§ The wreaths continue the idea of everlasting life by being bent into un-ending circles representing life without end.
§ Poinsettias (red) are symbols of the sacrifice/blood of Christ. (FYI, the popular Christmas plant was discovered by Dr. Joel Poinsett, American Ambassador to Mexico in 1829; he brought it back to the U.S., and it became a favorite of the season.)
§ Candles (in general) obviously symbolize Christ as the Light of the World.
§ Advent wreaths with their candles are a symbol of intentional, unhurried preparation. This custom was an “at home” German tradition which made its way into the church.
§ The bells represent the announcement of the coming of Messiah. In medieval times, the bells were tolled (to warn the powers of darkness that light is on its way!) for an hour before midnight on Christmas Eve, changing to joyous ringing at the first minute of Christmas Day… to announce the day of Jesus’ birth.
§ The star – while representing the star of Bethlehem – represents everything that leads people to Christ.
§ Chrismons are signs and symbols – “pictures” – which present their own message. These are usually white (innocence, purity, perfection) and/or gold (glory, majesty, royalty), usually hand-made by people in the congregation. While tree decorating is a long-held Christmas tradition, the Chrismon Tree concept originated in Ascension Lutheran Church in 1957. (You may add only the “final” Chrismon in this service, or several congregants can be given Chrismons to add… or you can begin with a bare tree and add all the Chrismons! If your service includes a children’s time/sermon, this is a good time to bring the children down near the tree to participate.)
§ The crown – Have an ornate, kingly-looking crown brought in on a small pillow and placed on a pedestal at the front. The obviously represents the royalty of the “newborn King!”
§ The crèche – If you have a really nice large “holy family,” have them carried in by a family. This is especially nice if you have a mom (Mary), dad (Joseph) and a young child capable of carrying in the Christ-child figurine.
§ Other symbols – There is truly no limit to the ways you “decorate” your worship space in this service. Adapt the other symbols in your building to the service.
Below are some examples of worship orders for this service.
Hanging of the Greens
Organ Prelude
The Poinsettias
*Reading of Preparation
Leader:I was glad when they said to me,
People: Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Leader: In anticipation of the coming of Christ, let us make this place even more beautiful with
candles, wreaths, ornaments and symbols.
People: In anticipation of the coming of Christ, let us bring into this room the rich, red color of the
poinsettia plant, to remind us throughout these weeks of the sacrifice of Christ.
Leader: In anticipation of the coming Christ, let us make our hearts even more receptive to the work
and power of God as we change the image of this church building.
People: In anticipation of the coming of Christ, let us present ourselves as adornment for God’s
kingdom, improving the image of this church body in our community.
Leader: We stand on holy ground because this is the place where we regularly meet our God.
People: We stand ready to receive the Christ of Bethlehem, the Christ of Galilee, the Christ of
Calvary, the Christ of the empty tomb, and the Christ of eternity.
Leader: Come and worship! Join me… join God… join one another. Come and worship Christ, the
newborn King!
*Carol “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” regent square
Greeting and Prayer
The Candles
Litany from Psalm 43
Leader: O God, deliver me from those who are deceitful and unjust,
for you are the God in whom I take refuge.
People: Send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me.
Leader: Let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God who is my exceeding joy.
People: Send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me.
Leader: I will praise you with music, O God, my God.
People: Send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me.
Leader: Why are you so cast down, O my soul? Hope in God.
People: Send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me.
Lighting of the First Advent Candle (This may have already been done in an earlier service; you can skip this, re-light the candle, or have someone explain the reason we light the Advent candles each week.)
The Wreaths
About the Wreaths (Have someone discuss how the circle of the wreath symbolizes the everlasting, never-ending nature of God… and Christ… and ultimately US!)
Carol “Sing We Now of Christmas” FRENCH CAROL
The Star
Reading of Scripture (2 readers)
Numbers 24:17- I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.
A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
Matthew 2:9-10 - The wise men set out from Jerusalem; and there ahead of them went the star they
had seen in the east until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw
that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Carol - Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain; gold I bring to crown him again
King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
O… star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to the perfect Light.
The Bells
Handbell Offertory
*Response to Offering Wye Valley
[As we sing, the children will join the pastor at the Chrismon Tree]
Ring, you bells, with gladness. Sing, you choirs, with joy.
Take to heart your mission, all your tunes employ.
With your hearts united, all with common voice,
Each in your own language, in your Lord rejoice.
Fill the earth with music. Sound aloud his praise.
Give to all your witness: Jesus Christ will save. +
*Prayer of Dedication
The Final Chrismon
Children’s Message (explaining the symbols on the tree)
Carol “Away in a Manger” MUELLER
[Stanzas one and three]
Sermon
*Hymn “O What a Wonder It Is” Ledoux
*Passing of the Peace
Statement: The peace of Christ be with you.
Response: And also with you.
*Closing Chorus Old English Carol
Love and joy come to you, and the peace of Christmas, too.
May God bless you and send you a happy new year.
Merry Christmas and happy new year.
Organ Postlude
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* - The Congregation Standing
+- Printed by paid permission. C.C.L.I. License ______