Hanging Of The Greens Service
Drama
Lectionary Worship Workbook, Series IV, Cycle C
Soul Motion
Object:
(This is a "hanging of the greens" service for worship. Everyone remains seated throughout the hanging of the greens, except leaders and persons placing decorations. The congregation reads the bold-faced print.)
Prelude
Welcome
The peace of God be with you.
And also with you.
Chimes
Call To Worship
Leader 1: Today we celebrate God manifesting divine graciousness to people who seek to be in relationship with the holy. Since ancient times of Judah and Israel's King David, God has invited people to do what is just and right with neighbors and within the whole country. Today we begin counting the days within the faith family until we relive God's coming to earth in human form, in the baby who grew to be a man -- Jesus of Nazareth.
People: We know this story:
A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse;
From his roots a branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of God will rest on him --
the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and power.
With fairness he will judge the needy;
he will care for the poor of the earth.
The root of Jesse will delight in God --
In that day the wolf will live with the lamb,
The leopard will lie with the goat,
The lion and the calf will walk together
and a Child shall lead them.
Leader 2: This time is Advent -- a time of preparation, of penance, and of waiting. We make our hearts and homes ready for celebration with symbols of divinity being birthed with humanity.
People: We know this part of the story, too:
For unto us a child is born; to us a child is given
And the government shall be upon his shoulders
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Almighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Carol
Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
Leader 1: We are being intentional about celebrating God among us -- again! God, showing up in unexpected places like barns and pastures, homes and churches.
People: Thank God for living among us, for filling our minds and hearts with signs of holy things and with awesome imagination.
("We Three Kings" is played in the background.)
Leader 3: This is a time for giving and receiving gifts. As far back as written history, we know that during winter, people gave each other gifts -- especially helping the homeless and poor make it through the cold months. St. Nicholas and many other legends describe the generosity of the wealthy caring for persons in need. Americans have Santa Claus.
People: We know that part of the Bible story!
The wise men from the East -- the magi took gifts
to the child of Mary and Joseph.
We call him the Christ Child.
When the wise men saw the star in the East, they were overjoyed.
They followed the star until it stood over the stable where the child lay.
They opened their treasures and presented him gifts --
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Leader 4: People who claim Jesus as God's Son are known for generosity. Christians share what they have with others as a gesture of love for God.
People: We are friends of Jesus the Christ.
We know the whole story in poetry and prose, dance and song.
Carol
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
(performed with liturgical dance)
Confession
Leader 3: It's a wonderful story of God's coming. Our ancestors cherished giving simple gifts. But, today, our story of God's generous living among us has been taken over by merchandising and profiteering.
People: God, we confess that we are seduced by our culture's Christmas Machine.
Open our ears to your voice and to angel sounds
and to bells calling us to action.
Today, we choose to unplug the Christmas Machine
and enjoy sharing who we are with family and friends.
God, in this hour, we ask that our love
for you be refreshed. Amen.
Word Of Grace
Leader 1: The good news is that when we name the truth within, we receive deep peace.
People: Thanks be to God!
Proclamation
Leader 1: We make this space festive with music and beautiful things.
People: Let's put up an evergreen tree. Christians have been decorating trees for over 1,000 years. Even Martin Luther in Germany in the 1500s is said to have placed candles on a tree to simulate the stars in the sky above the place of Jesus' birth.
Carol
O Christmas Tree
(The tree lights are plugged in. Begin hanging the Advent/Christmas ornaments. These words to "O Christmas Tree" are a blend of several versions.)
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
So fresh and green in summer's breeze,
Still deeply green through winter's freeze.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your steadfast green can teach me.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your steadfast green can teach me --
Of strength and hope, fidelity, of comfort and stability.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.
Leader 2: Hanging greenery goes back to ancient times. Evergreen ropes and wreaths were hung in homes and on public buildings as a sign of victory. Holly and ivy, rosemary and fir, cedar and pine -- these are symbols of eternal life.
(People hang garlands over the front rail or pew.)
Carol
The Holly And The Ivy
(People place Advent/Christmas ornaments on the tree while singing this carol and the next one.)
The holly and the ivy when they are both full grown
Of all the trees in the wood, the holly bears the crown.
The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Child on Christmas day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.
Leader 3: Let's place red and white poinsettias around this sanctuary. This flower originated in Central America as the "Flower of the Holy Night." Its star shape suggests the Bethlehem star.
(People place poinsettias on the chancel steps, under the cross, and beside piano.)
Leader 4: One legend says a child picked the red flower and gave it to the Christ Child as a gift. Another says that the white poinsettia represents the purity of Christ.
Leader 1: The legend adds that the star-shaped white blossom turned red when Jesus was killed. So the red and white flowers remind us of the holy night and point us to Good Friday.
Carol
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Leader 2: We've given symbolic meaning to many things -- flowers, ornaments, colors -- all to remind us of how God is among us.
Affirmation (Unison)
People: We are grateful for the visual story around us. We are anticipating Christmas Day when we with Christians around the world celebrate the incarnation of God in human form. We, too, watch for signs of holy activity among us. Wise people still follow the star, which points to God's surprising presence. We are among the wise ones. The Christ will be born anew among us -- a bright morning star! God is ... God loves ... God gives life!
Carol
'Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime (Huron Carol)
Offering
Leader 1: We who follow the star, offer our gifts to God -- gifts of money, ideas, strength, and skills.
Carol
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Thanksgiving
Leader 2: Light of the World -- thank you for inner peace that comes to us as we give you our whole selves and our resources. Use our hands and feet, our minds and voices to make this world a safe and hospitable place. Amen.
Doxology
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Lighting The Advent Wreath
Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabella
(Hymn plays in the background.)
Leader 5: No longer do we walk in darkness. We see the light of God!
Leader 6: Like people through the ages, we've made a wreath -- a complete circle -- and place flames among its branches to remind us of divine light for us and for the world to see. The fire burns and glows among us for six weeks. Like Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, we long for God to send us a good ruler. We want to live in safety, like the ancient Hebrew people of David's lineage. This wreath is a symbol of God's endless love for all Creation.
Leader 7: The three purple candles represent the darkness of the world. When they are lighted, they signify hope, peace, and love available for our lives.
Leader 8: The pink candle, lighted the third week of Advent, calls forth our joy! The center white candle we light on Christmas Eve is the Christ candle.
Leader 5: Today is the first Sunday of Advent, 25 days until we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We light one candle.
(One purple candle is lit.)
Carol
People, Look East
Benediction (Leader)
We are full of emotion during this holiday season.
Be aware of all your feelings -- happy and sad.
Gather often with friends so that your heart is glad some of the time.
Every chance you get, let the Spirit of Christ into the world.
Choral Response
Hope Of The World (Mary's Child …)
Leader 1: Thank you for taking part in this service of visual symbols of the Holy Presence among us. We pray that you will experience the inspiration of the Spirit. Introduce yourself and let us get to know you. If you are looking for a church home that values diversity and creativity, perhaps you have found an approximation of what you seek.
Postlude
Prelude
Welcome
The peace of God be with you.
And also with you.
Chimes
Call To Worship
Leader 1: Today we celebrate God manifesting divine graciousness to people who seek to be in relationship with the holy. Since ancient times of Judah and Israel's King David, God has invited people to do what is just and right with neighbors and within the whole country. Today we begin counting the days within the faith family until we relive God's coming to earth in human form, in the baby who grew to be a man -- Jesus of Nazareth.
People: We know this story:
A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse;
From his roots a branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of God will rest on him --
the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and power.
With fairness he will judge the needy;
he will care for the poor of the earth.
The root of Jesse will delight in God --
In that day the wolf will live with the lamb,
The leopard will lie with the goat,
The lion and the calf will walk together
and a Child shall lead them.
Leader 2: This time is Advent -- a time of preparation, of penance, and of waiting. We make our hearts and homes ready for celebration with symbols of divinity being birthed with humanity.
People: We know this part of the story, too:
For unto us a child is born; to us a child is given
And the government shall be upon his shoulders
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Almighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Carol
Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
Leader 1: We are being intentional about celebrating God among us -- again! God, showing up in unexpected places like barns and pastures, homes and churches.
People: Thank God for living among us, for filling our minds and hearts with signs of holy things and with awesome imagination.
("We Three Kings" is played in the background.)
Leader 3: This is a time for giving and receiving gifts. As far back as written history, we know that during winter, people gave each other gifts -- especially helping the homeless and poor make it through the cold months. St. Nicholas and many other legends describe the generosity of the wealthy caring for persons in need. Americans have Santa Claus.
People: We know that part of the Bible story!
The wise men from the East -- the magi took gifts
to the child of Mary and Joseph.
We call him the Christ Child.
When the wise men saw the star in the East, they were overjoyed.
They followed the star until it stood over the stable where the child lay.
They opened their treasures and presented him gifts --
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Leader 4: People who claim Jesus as God's Son are known for generosity. Christians share what they have with others as a gesture of love for God.
People: We are friends of Jesus the Christ.
We know the whole story in poetry and prose, dance and song.
Carol
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
(performed with liturgical dance)
Confession
Leader 3: It's a wonderful story of God's coming. Our ancestors cherished giving simple gifts. But, today, our story of God's generous living among us has been taken over by merchandising and profiteering.
People: God, we confess that we are seduced by our culture's Christmas Machine.
Open our ears to your voice and to angel sounds
and to bells calling us to action.
Today, we choose to unplug the Christmas Machine
and enjoy sharing who we are with family and friends.
God, in this hour, we ask that our love
for you be refreshed. Amen.
Word Of Grace
Leader 1: The good news is that when we name the truth within, we receive deep peace.
People: Thanks be to God!
Proclamation
Leader 1: We make this space festive with music and beautiful things.
People: Let's put up an evergreen tree. Christians have been decorating trees for over 1,000 years. Even Martin Luther in Germany in the 1500s is said to have placed candles on a tree to simulate the stars in the sky above the place of Jesus' birth.
Carol
O Christmas Tree
(The tree lights are plugged in. Begin hanging the Advent/Christmas ornaments. These words to "O Christmas Tree" are a blend of several versions.)
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
So fresh and green in summer's breeze,
Still deeply green through winter's freeze.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful is your color!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your steadfast green can teach me.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your steadfast green can teach me --
Of strength and hope, fidelity, of comfort and stability.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.
Leader 2: Hanging greenery goes back to ancient times. Evergreen ropes and wreaths were hung in homes and on public buildings as a sign of victory. Holly and ivy, rosemary and fir, cedar and pine -- these are symbols of eternal life.
(People hang garlands over the front rail or pew.)
Carol
The Holly And The Ivy
(People place Advent/Christmas ornaments on the tree while singing this carol and the next one.)
The holly and the ivy when they are both full grown
Of all the trees in the wood, the holly bears the crown.
The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Child on Christmas day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.
Leader 3: Let's place red and white poinsettias around this sanctuary. This flower originated in Central America as the "Flower of the Holy Night." Its star shape suggests the Bethlehem star.
(People place poinsettias on the chancel steps, under the cross, and beside piano.)
Leader 4: One legend says a child picked the red flower and gave it to the Christ Child as a gift. Another says that the white poinsettia represents the purity of Christ.
Leader 1: The legend adds that the star-shaped white blossom turned red when Jesus was killed. So the red and white flowers remind us of the holy night and point us to Good Friday.
Carol
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Leader 2: We've given symbolic meaning to many things -- flowers, ornaments, colors -- all to remind us of how God is among us.
Affirmation (Unison)
People: We are grateful for the visual story around us. We are anticipating Christmas Day when we with Christians around the world celebrate the incarnation of God in human form. We, too, watch for signs of holy activity among us. Wise people still follow the star, which points to God's surprising presence. We are among the wise ones. The Christ will be born anew among us -- a bright morning star! God is ... God loves ... God gives life!
Carol
'Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime (Huron Carol)
Offering
Leader 1: We who follow the star, offer our gifts to God -- gifts of money, ideas, strength, and skills.
Carol
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Thanksgiving
Leader 2: Light of the World -- thank you for inner peace that comes to us as we give you our whole selves and our resources. Use our hands and feet, our minds and voices to make this world a safe and hospitable place. Amen.
Doxology
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Lighting The Advent Wreath
Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabella
(Hymn plays in the background.)
Leader 5: No longer do we walk in darkness. We see the light of God!
Leader 6: Like people through the ages, we've made a wreath -- a complete circle -- and place flames among its branches to remind us of divine light for us and for the world to see. The fire burns and glows among us for six weeks. Like Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, we long for God to send us a good ruler. We want to live in safety, like the ancient Hebrew people of David's lineage. This wreath is a symbol of God's endless love for all Creation.
Leader 7: The three purple candles represent the darkness of the world. When they are lighted, they signify hope, peace, and love available for our lives.
Leader 8: The pink candle, lighted the third week of Advent, calls forth our joy! The center white candle we light on Christmas Eve is the Christ candle.
Leader 5: Today is the first Sunday of Advent, 25 days until we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We light one candle.
(One purple candle is lit.)
Carol
People, Look East
Benediction (Leader)
We are full of emotion during this holiday season.
Be aware of all your feelings -- happy and sad.
Gather often with friends so that your heart is glad some of the time.
Every chance you get, let the Spirit of Christ into the world.
Choral Response
Hope Of The World (Mary's Child …)
Leader 1: Thank you for taking part in this service of visual symbols of the Holy Presence among us. We pray that you will experience the inspiration of the Spirit. Introduce yourself and let us get to know you. If you are looking for a church home that values diversity and creativity, perhaps you have found an approximation of what you seek.
Postlude
