Advent 'Greens' services celebrate season

This Chrismon ornament depicts a descending dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Chrismon trees, as well as wreaths, are common during the Advent season preceding Christmas.
This Chrismon ornament depicts a descending dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Chrismon trees, as well as wreaths, are common during the Advent season preceding Christmas.

Advent begins Sunday, and for some churches that means it's time for the annual "Hanging of the Greens."

photo

Democrat-Gazette file photo

Chrismon trees are evergreen trees decorated with ornaments that symbolize the Christian faith. The word “Chrismon” is a combination of “Christ” and “monogram.”

The services are intended to usher worshippers into the liturgical season of Advent in preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas.

Music will play a big role in the annual service at 11 a.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., in North Little Rock. Kurt Kennedy, director of music ministries, said the service is a longtime tradition at the church, and while not as elaborate as in days past, the service is a big one, with music from all the church's choirs as well as an orchestra.

"We do it big musically," Kennedy said. "We tell the story through Scriptures and carols and talk about why we do the things we do -- with the Advent wreath, the Chrismon tree and the draping of paraments on the altar table."

The trappings of Advent are full of symbolism. The wreath symbolizes eternity, as do evergreens, and an Advent wreath combines both. A typical one features four candles around the circumference to signify the four Sundays of Advent.

The Chrismon tree is another Advent tradition in some churches. It's a Christmas tree decorated with special ornaments called Chrismons -- a word that's a combination of "Christ" and "monogram." The ornaments are symbols of the Christian faith. For example, the combined Greek letters of Chi and Rho are an ancient monogram for Christ, while a crown symbolizes his kingship. A descending dove is often used to signify the Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism, while crosses, stars and other designs also have specific meanings.

Kennedy said narrators will share readings as the sanctuary is decorated with these symbols.

"It's a beautiful service," he said. "We end it by lighting the Chrismon tree and we turn the lights down and sing 'Silent Night.'"

Other music featured in this year's service will include a medley by the orchestra featuring "O Holy Night," congregational singing of "O Come All Ye Faithful," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by the choir and cellos and several more selections.

The congregation of Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock, also will have "Hanging of the Greens" activities and worship services Sunday. The morning will start with breakfast at 9, followed by decorating and service projects at 9:50 and a combined worship service at 11.

The Rev. Lindy Vogado, associate pastor, said the gathering is an inter-generational event to prepare for the coming of Christ.

"During the Hanging of the Greens we mark the beginning of that journey," she said. "We begin by having a large breakfast and spend part of the morning decorating the church and doing service projects for organizations in the community."

The church has several "gift trees" to benefit local organizations, such as one for presents for children at the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services children's home and others.

"We also have stations where we write notes to those who are in prison at Tucker and provide them with Christmas presents," Vogado said. "We also write notes to our families who are serving in the military and folks currently serving to let them know we are thinking about them."

The sanctuary will be decorated during the worship service and the congregation will sing Advent hymns.

Vogado said the morning full of activities is "wonderful, chaotic and beautiful" and a fitting way to usher in the season of Advent.

"I love the remembering about the gift that the incarnation of Jesus was. I love Christ's call to love and justice and peace that we celebrate during this time," she said. "I love the music and love the familiar texts we read each year. I love the spirit of the season."

Religion on 11/26/2016

Upcoming Events