We have a beautiful sanctuary with a 12 ft. Christmas tree. During our "Hanging of the Greens" program Sunday, my husband did the talking and brought meaning to everything. He explained why we have the bells and greenery, etc. at Christmas. While he was talking, the children and youth of the church did the "actions".
The two year olds began the program by walking down the center isle and going around to the side isle, ringing their bells, followed by the older children doing the same. During the entire program, we had a slide show that went with the program and made it even more real.
Bells were rung, wreaths were hung, candles were placed in the windows, poinsettias were placed in the alter, ornaments were hung on the tree, candy canes were presented to everyone present and the first candle of the Advent was lit. "Oh, Holy Night" was sung and In the conclusion, the lights on the tree are turned on. HOW BEAUTIFUL!!! And HOW SPECIAL to be reminded of what each and everything means.
Every year, our church tree looks different. This year, our decorations were red and lime green. Each family in the church is encouraged to get an ornament and put their names and date on it to be hung on the tree.
My husband and I have been involved in Southern Baptist Churches the entire 33 years that we have been married, but until we witnessed the "Hanging of the Greens" program at our current church, we had never seen it and knew very little about it.
"Hanging of the Greens" is a great way to begin the December holidays. It helps to turn our focus on the true meaning of the season.
If your church does not have a "Hanging of the Greens" program already, I would suggest that you encourage them to plan for one next year. You can go on the Internet and "google" it and find all kinds of suggestions. I promise, if you have never sat through a "Hanging of the Greens" program, you will not leave with a dry eye.
It's Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas......
No comments:
Post a Comment