Tony Matthews and his daughter, Katie, 11, place the wreath around the Advent candles in a Hanging of the Greens ceremony on Nov. 29 at the First Christian Church in Bentonville.
Photo by David Frank Dempsey
Outside the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bentonville, late autumn leaves still cling to the trees. Inside, it’s Christmastime. The church is bursting with seasonal cheer - from a fully decked Chrismon tree to lush red poinsettias to garlands of evergreen along the crown molding. Congregation members gathered Sunday for their annual Hanging of the Greens service. Families took turns adding something to the already decorated church, explaining the symbolism as they did so. Scripture readings and carols accompanied each presentation. “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch,” read Will Orr, as his 15-month-old son reached for the microphone. Orr’s family carried a garland of greenery ...
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Religion, Pages 10 on 12/05/2009
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