Hanging of the Greens!

Dear Congregation,

Last Sunday after worship some of us began decorating the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas. We put up the Christmas tree and set up the Advent wreath, pulling garland, nativity figures, and ornaments out of plastic tubs, boxes, and garbage bags. Thanks to everyone who was able to help!

Many of us will be doing the same thing at home. I know I have several plastic tubs of decorations sitting in my living room right now waiting for my attention. And so, it came to my mind that Advent can be a lot of work both physically and spiritually! There is the physical work of getting our church and home ready for Christmas, and the spiritual work of preparing to receive the Christ Child once again into our hearts.

Both kinds of work are important. In the Hanging of the Greens in our upcoming Sunday’s worship service we’ll bring in beauty, while being reminded of the symbolism of evergreens, Crismons, bells, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and the stable. We’ll also be singing verses of some of the familiar, beloved Christmas carols, for music is surely an important part of Advent and Christmas.

As far as the spiritual work of Advent, I invite you to be intentional about using a devotional each day, praying, being present in worship, and, in some way, doing the works that Jesus makes clear are so important to him in Matthew 25:31-46, last Sunday’s Gospel lesson.

I hope to see you Sunday, when we will also begin Advent with the lighting of the Advent Candel of HOPE and sharing in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Advent Blessings to each of you!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy