Monday, December 3, 2007

Hanging of the Greens


On Sunday, we had our “Hanging of the Greens” service at the church. I have never observed a “Hanging of the Greens” service, but I was moved by the singing of Christmas songs and the entire participation of the church. At different intervals of the service, some lit candles, others hung wreaths, but the entire congregation hung ornaments on the tree. As I sat and worshipped the Lord, the ceremony reminded me about the meaning of Advent.

Advent is a time for Bible study. Through the Scriptures we can learn how people long ago prepared for the coming of the Messiah. The Scriptures show the nature of hope that was evident through the response of God’s people, and the faith that stretched forward to reality. While the Old Testament reveals the fulfillment of these promises with the facts of his birth, the New Testament gives promises with the facts of his birth. The Bible teaches us to wait expectantly on the Lord as did the faithful followers of old.

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