HANGING OF THE GREENS
November 27, 2011
November 27, 2011
How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the King?
With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty.
How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the Christ?
With garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green.
How shall we prepare this house for the coming of our Savior?
With wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of his passion, death, and resurrection.
How shall we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Son of God?
By hearing again the words of the prophets, who foretold the saving work of God.
For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
Glory to God in the highest!
Glory to God in the highest!
Because the needles of pine and fir trees appear not to die each season, the ancients saw them as signs of things that last forever.
Therefore, we hang this wreath of evergreens shaped in a circle, which itself has no end, to signify the eternal reign of Jesus, the Christ.
In ancient times the cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality and was used for purification.
We place these branches as a sign of Christ, who reigns as King forever, and whose coming, in justice and righteousness, will purify our hearts.
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, we light the Chrismon tree.
During this Advent, wherever you see a lighted Christmas tree, let it call to mind the One who brings light to our darkness, healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive him.