The service of Hanging of the Greens focuses on preparing for the birth of Jesus and the second coming of Christ. The practice of bringing evergreens into the sanctuary started in Europe and continues in many churches with European heritage to this day. Evergreens were a symbol of the eternal coming to dwell among us as Word made flesh. They were also a sign of life and growth overcoming and flourishing in the midst of the dead of winter, and so of the resurrection of Christ. Over time, other attributes were given to specific evergreens, as we hear in the carol The Holly and the Ivy. Hanging greens at the beginning of Advent points to the second coming and culmination of all things in Christ. As we draw closer to Christmas, evergreens point to the incarnation and life of God dwelling among us in the birth of Jesus.

Although, on this occasion, we will not be decorating the church, maybe this service will inspire you to do your own ‘Hanging of the Greens’ at home, as you prepare to remember the first coming of Christ, and look forward to his second coming.

Put this Zoom service in your diaries – 4:00pm on Sunday 29 November. If you haven’t received joining instructions yet (these were at the end of his email about the Zoom service on 22 November), please email Eddie at ku.gro.tsidohtemhtysornull@retsinim for an access code. The code is not the one we use on Sunday mornings!