Hanging of the Greens

THE HANGING OF THE GREENS

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New York Mills

November 26^th, A.D. 2014 A

The Call to Celebration (Congregation standing)

Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

People:  And also with you!

Leader:  Christ has come! Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

People: This is the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ!

Leader: When we look at the world around us, we see the darkness of war, captivity, greed, and broken relationships.

People: We long for Christ to come again and bring light to our world.

Leader:  The Word of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ lives among us, bringing truth and light as a present reality.

All: We worship as those who have a glimpse of that reality, and we long for its fullness. We are those who labor to make Christ's light more visible on earth. Let us praise God, that the light of Christ shines on in the darkness, which has never overcome it. To God be the glory in Jesus Christ and in the church forever and ever.  Amen.

Opening Prayer

Minister: Our Father, we long for the simple beauty of Christmas – for all the old familiar melodies, words, and symbols that remind us of that great miracle when He who had made all things came one night as a babe, to lie in the crook of a woman’s arm.  But in that longing, let us even more yearn for your renewed presence among us even as we celebrate and expect the Coming of your Son.  Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring You the gift of our love – a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. Now, as we enter into this Advent Season, we pray that love would find its Beloved, and from You receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.

We bring You our gratitude for every token of Your love, for all the ways You have heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone. And we do pray, Lord Jesus, that as we begin this four-week journey of expectation and hope, we may do it in a manner well pleasing to You. May all we do and say, every tribute of our hearts, bring honor to Your name, that we, Your people, may remember Your birth and feel Your presence among us even yet. May the loving kindness of this Advent Season and the true Spirit of Christmas not only creep into our hearts this season, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas remain with us now and forever. In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray. Amen.

[Adapted from a prayer for Christmas by Peter Marshall] Congregation sits.

The Meaning of the Service (Reader #1)

Throughout the centuries, Christians have observed a time of waiting and expectation before celebrating the birth of the Savior and Christmas. This is the season of Jesus’ Advent, of His coming. It allows us to pause for reflection and preparation in the midst of a hectic and busy world—but its mood, while solemn, is also joyful. In Advent we ponder how God so loved the world that He was born of a Virgin and laid in a manger, well aware that His destiny would someday take Him to the Cross. And we also look forward with hope to Jesus’ Second Coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Advent makes innkeepers of us all. Let us, today, prepare Him room in our hearts, in our lives, and in our homes.

Congregational Song: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus—ELW 254

Christmas in America (Reader #2)

A star in the sky, carols in the evening air, a candle in the window, a wreath on the door, mistletoe hung high, church bells ringing, and families reunited around the joys of hearth and home—this is Christmas in America! Though similar to Christmas celebrations in other countries, Americans have our own yuletide traditions.  Rich customs, drawn from the dozens of ethnicities that make up our national character, have interwoven into a uniquely American pattern, giving to us the colorful pageantry of the Christmas celebration we know and love today.

Lessons of Christmas (Reader #1)

Let us listen to the lessons of the years and the centuries, not just to impressions of the moment. The images of the present in the biblical story are often discouraging: war, hate, famine, epidemics, a Caesar on his throne, a Paul in prison, and poor Christians being persecuted for the faith. But now, centuries later, Caesar has fallen and Christ is risen! Let us, through the great traditions of our faith, join with the shepherds of Bethlehem, the Wise Men from the east, and seekers throughout the ages, to welcome our Christchild and King. Let us bring our gifts to Him, and may the message of our songs be “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to peoples everywhere.”

Congregational Song: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing!—ELW 270

The Sanctuary Evergreens (Reader #1)

The most striking feature of Christmas is surely the use of evergreens in our churches and our homes. Holly and ivy, pines and firs, are called evergreens precisely because they never change color. They are ever green, ever alive, even in the midst of winter. They symbolize the unchanging nature of our God, and they remind us of the everlasting life that is ours through Christ Jesus. In Isaiah 60:13 we find these words: “The Glory of Lebanon shall come unto you, the fir tree, the pine tree and the box together, to beautify the place of your sanctuary.” Our forefathers called the procuring of these evergreens, “Bringing home Christmas!”

Instrumental, Solo, or Group Special Music: The Holly and the Ivy

Action: While the song is being sung, the evergreens on the side walls and front are hung, and any other evergreens are put in place.

The Christmas Tree (Reader # 2)

Long ago, the pagans of northern Europe held trees as sacred to the gods. Upon the ash they hanged sacrifices to Odin, and the mighty oak, so often touched by lightning, must surely be sacred to Thor. When St. Boniface, Apostle to the Germans, brought the Gospel to these lands, he found a young woman chained to the Oak of Thor as a human sacrifice. First he took his axe to her chains—and then to the tree! As the oak fell, the astonished pagans witnessed an evergreen sapling rising up from the stump, and Boniface declared, “You see that Thor has fallen, but Christ is evergreen!”

Ever since then, the Christmas tree has been a symbol of Jesus amongst the Germans. When medieval peoples acted out Christmas pageants, they hung red balls and Communion wafers in the Christmas tree to represent the two trees of Eden: the tree of knowledge, and the tree of life. These were our earliest Christmas ornaments. During the Reformation, Martin Luther first added candles to his tree in order to mimic the glories of the starlit heavens. Today we use far safer Christmas lights. But we really have Queen Victoria to thank for marrying a German prince, thus introducing the Christmas tree to the British Empire and the entire world.

Yet even as the Christmas tree celebrates Jesus’ birth, it also points to His Crucifixion. For in all Christian traditions, the Cross upon which our Savior would die was fashioned from an evergreen tree.

Special Music: O Christmas Tree

Action: The tree is decorated as "O Christmas Tree" is sung. The piano and organist play after the special until the tree is decorated. After the decorations have been placed on the tree, the lights are turned on.

The Christmas Poinsettia (Reader # 1)

Most Christmas greenery reflects European traditions, but the Christmas poinsettia is a native American. It was named after Dr. Joel Robert Poinset, our ambassador to Mexico, who first introduced this Christmas flower to the United States in 1828.  The people of Central America call it the “Flower of the Holy Night,” a many-pointed star that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.  Popular Mexican legend tells of two poor orphans who had no gift to offer Jesus at the altar on Christmas Day, and so wept in shame. Yet where their tears fell, the poinsettia rose up to proclaim their Savior’s mercy.

Special Music: I Wonder As I Wander

Action: As the song is sung the flowers are put into place around the front of the church.

The Paraments and Advent Colors (Reader # 2)

In earlier days of Christian worship, Advent was seen as a somber time, much like Lent. Purple table coverings were used to speak of Christ’s royal Kingship, and of our penitent preparation to receive Him. Today, however, Christians often prefer to focus on the joys of Advent preparation, and our banners reflect this in their shift to an expectant and happy blue.  At Advent we wait with anticipation and celebration for our coming Christ—and so our hearts sing out, “O come, O come, Emmanuel!”

Congregational Song (standing): O Come, O Come, Emmanuel—ELW 257

Action: The coverings used for Ordinary Time are removed and replaced with the coverings for Advent.

The Advent Candles (Reader # 1)

Advent is a time of expectation, and we remind ourselves of this by lighting an Advent Candle on each Sunday of the season. The flame of each new candle reminds us, when we gather for worship, that something is happening, and something more is still to come.

Action: the Advent wreath and candles should now be placed.

The Advent wreath is a Lutheran tradition dating back to the 19^th Century. German pastor Johann Heinrich Winchern headed a mission school for poor urban children, who would ask him every day in December when Christmas would come. So one day he pulled off a wagon wheel and placed candles along the rim to show his students their progression through Advent. A subsequent tradition arose whereby wheels were pulled off of wagons during Advent to remind us that normal business should be put aside, as we wait and prepare for the Lord.

The three blue candles of our Advent wreath indicate the coming of Christ from the royal line of David, while the rose-colored candle represents joy. This is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. Finally, the large white candle in the center points to Jesus as the Light of the world, who dawns for us on Christmas Day.

Special Music: Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella

The Nativity (Reader # 2)

One of the most heart-warming expressions of this season is the Nativity scene, popularized by St. Francis in the 13^th Century and beloved by Christians everywhere. Here God made Himself known in innocence and vulnerability, born into a loving and humble family. Here knelt shepherds and kings, wise men and beasts, to adore our God made flesh. Today we display only part of our Nativity scene, which will grow each week as the story unfolds. Christmas Eve will bring Jesus to the manger as we celebrate His glorious birth.

Congregational Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem—ELW 279

Action: As the song is sung the Nativity pieces are set.

The Gifts of Christmas (Reader # 1)

Gift giving has been part of our Christmas celebrations from the start, as wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, while shepherds offered the witness of their story. The most famous gift-giver of the Advent season is St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Fourth Century Turkey. When he entered religious life, Nicholas gave away his wealth by dropping bags of gold down the chimney of a poor family, so that their three dowry-less daughters could be wed. Legend has it that some of the gold fell into the girls’ stockings, which they’d hung by the fireplace to dry. We continue to give gifts in honor of the Christchild to this day, remembering that what we offer to the least of these, we offer to our Lord.

Congregational Song: We Three Kings—WOV 646

Action: While the song is sung, children bring gifts wrapped, and place them under the tree.

Christmas Caroling (Reader # 2)

The angels were the first to sing at Christmas, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth!” Carolers have continued to bring this heavenly tradition into our streets and our homes for at least the past 500 years. Carolers were often rewarded for their songs with a hot mulled cider called wassail, or perhaps a bit of figgy pudding. After warming their bellies with a few good draughts, the carolers would travel on to bring holiday cheer to other homes and other villages, in the good company of holy angels.

Caroling Group: Here We Go A-Wassailing

Action:  A group of carolers walks around the church greeting people as they lead the song.

The Christ of Christmas (Reader #1)

The greatest gift of Christmas is the gift of God in Christ Jesus. All that we do throughout this holy season points to God’s inexhaustible incarnate Love. That babe in the manger is our life, our hope, and our eternal future: the reconciliation between God and Man.

Confession and Forgiveness

Minister: The day of the Lord is coming soon. The signs have been fulfilled.

People: But who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

Minister: Lest that Day surprise us unawares, let us confess our sins to God our Father, imploring his forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ, who will soon come as Judge and King.

Action:  Silence for meditation and self-examination.

Minister: Most merciful God,

People: We long for your coming, O God.  But we are often unprepared for you to come, because we have not always lived as your people. Many times in our lives, we have disobeyed your will. We have not always done what we should have done. Sometimes we have done what we should not have done.  Sometimes we have failed and sinned. We implore your forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ, and seek the power of your Holy Spirit to restore our faith.

Minister: He who is coming has come, born among us to live our life and die our death, and guarantee our resurrection. For his sake I proclaim to you forgiveness of sin and transformation through Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Lord are yours in great abundance.

People: Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Passing the Peace of Christ

Minister: May the peace of the Lord be with you all.

People: And also with you

Minister: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

ALL: Our ears have heard the words of your prophet, O God.  Our spirits have responded to the call: “Prepare!” And the roadwork has begun. A highway is being laid in our hearts! We accept these gifts of bread and wine as a sign of our commitment to being prepared for you today. Our hearts are ready for you!  Amen.

The Blessing

Minister: Now may the God who has called us to live in hope and expectation, go with you as you journey in faith toward that new future, created by the Love of God Who has dwelt, and continues to dwell, both among us and in us. Go in His grace and His peace.

Congregational Song:  Go Tell It On The Mountain—ELW 290

[The above is adapted from a liturgical service by Dennis Bratcher, Copyright © 2009]