Readings
Hanging of the Greens Service - November 25, 2007
Introduction
Why do we do decorate for Christmas? What does it mean? During the Advent season we prepare for
the One who has come, whom we expect to come, and who will come again. We prepare our hearts and
make room for the Messiah. In the hanging of the greens we share with Christians throughout the ages
the memory and anticipation of Christ’s coming. We decorate our church with the symbols of love, joy,
hope, and peace. Why do we do this? To tell the story again and then proclaim: Jesus is born. God is
with us!
This morning we honor Christ’s birth by adorning our church for the coming of our Savior. We use
songs and symbols to remind us of God’s glory and the incarnation of God’s love in the world. For God
loved us so much that Christ was given to the world, so that everyone who believes in the Messiah will
not perish, but will have eternal life.
Let us worship as we study the meaning of the symbols of Christmas.
The Sanctuary Evergreens
Evergreens have long been considered a symbol of eternity, as a sign of God’s everlasting nature, and
a sign that the faithful will experience endless life in fellowship with God in Jesus Christ. Ancient people
viewed the evergreen with awe and wonder because of its changeless nature.
Isaiah 60:13 tells us: “The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the
box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary.”
Though the evergreen has long been viewed with reverence, it has only been in the past four centuries
that Christians have used evergreens to decorate their homes and sanctuaries. In our day evergreens
are a noted symbol of Christmas itself. The evergreens we use to decorate our sanctuary remind us of
God’s endlessness, God’s abiding love in Jesus Christ, and of our eternal fellowship with God when
Christ is our Lord.
Holly and ivy are also used in our Christmas celebrations. Both are rich in symbolism. Because the
holly puts forth bright red berries in the dead of winter, it has been considered a symbol of the endless
life. Secondly, the sharpness of the bush and the redness of the berries have associated it with the
crown of thorns Christ wore and the blood Christ shed for us with his crucifixion. For generations,
Christians have placed holly in their windows as a sign that Christ had entered their homes and was the
Lord of their homes.
Ivy has been used extensively for Christmas decorating since the Middle Ages. It was considered a
symbol of love because of its clinging habit of growth, and of everlasting love and life.
Holly and ivy both have the incredible ability to survive and to grow, just as Christ's churches have
through the ages. And so we decorate our sanctuary with holly and ivy, along with the pine evergreens.
The Nativity
The story of the Christmas crêche, or nativity, goes back many centuries. Saint Francis of Assisi made
it popular. He spent his life preaching, caring for the poor and sick, and teaching people to see beauty
in all creatures.
Saint Francis tried for many years to explain the Christmas story to poor country folks. While they
enjoyed the holiday feasting and merrymaking, they never could understand the true meaning of
Christmas.
Finally, in 1223, Saint Francis thought of a plan. He sent word to the towns and countryside near Assisi;
"Come and keep Christmas with me." So on Christmas Eve, he led the people to a rocky cave near the
town of Creccio. They carried candles and torches to light the way. When they saw the surprise Saint
Francis had prepared for them, they cried out in wonder. There in the cave was a manger filled with
fresh hay; a live ox and donkey stood beside the manger; real people took the parts of Mary, Joseph,
and the shepherds, and a life-sized wax baby lay in the manger.
Saint Francis explained the story as he showed it, how a poor king born in a stable had brought hope
of a better life to everyone. His listeners now began to realize the beauty of the Christmas message.
The cave rang with music as he led the worshipers in joyful singing.
The next year, these people set up their own manger scenes. The custom quickly spread throughout
Italy, and then on to other parts of Europe.
The first crêches were very simple, often using live animals and people. Through the years, these
figures have been made from wood, clay, wax, or other materials.
The Singing of Carols
"On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To tell the news the angels bring."
So says an old carol, and sing we have, from the fourteenth century onward, with words that were
sometimes tender and sometimes merry, but always simple and honest, set to tunes that suggest joy
and happiness.
Many of the traditional carols were composed between 1400 and 1700. In the eighteenth century, the
town Waits often carried these tunes from door to door, lighting their way with lanterns and playing
upon wind instruments. Originally the Waits were simply watchmen who patrolled the streets and called
the hours during the night. Later, though, the name was commonly applied to the town musicians who
played for processions and civic occasions. At Christmas, they walked the streets with music, and were
suitably rewarded by the householders outside whose homes they played.
The Waits have gone now, carrying their oboes, clarinets, and fiddles away with them into the past, but
carol-singers still go on their rounds. Sometimes it is a trained choir or a glee club or perhaps a group
of children that sings the traditional songs. Or it might be a group from our congregation, representing
all ages, which travel by car to the homes of friends, sharing the spirit of Christmas through the gift of
music.
May we continue to find the meaning and beauty of Christmas in the singing of carols.
The Christmas Candles
The Christmas season is symbolic of light. Beginning with the star that guided the wise men to the
manger where the Christ child lay, and then following through with the brightness of his life on earth.
The light of candles has always been considered as the symbol of enlightenment Jesus brought to
earth, and Christmas has a natural association with that tradition.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." He also said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light so
shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." So
the Christmas candles illuminate our souls and we carry forth the message of that light in our lives.
When you light the Christmas candle, when you see its golden glow,
When you watch the flame grow brighter, when the wax begins to flow,
Will you light another candle way down deep within your soul?
That will help you guide your footsteps even nearer to your goal?
As you seek to find the Christ child when he comes to earth again,
To be born, not in a manger, but within the hearts of man.
The Poinsettia
In the past two hundred years, a new element has found its place in our Christmas celebration. From
the Christian practices and symbols in Mexico, the tradition of using poinsettias to decorate our church
during this Advent season has been adopted.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert
Poinsettia, admired the dramatic beauty of the bright red poinsettias that grew rooftop high and
bloomed profusely at Christmas. He brought cuttings of the plant back to the United States.
What astounded him even more were the stories that Mexican Christians told of why the bright red
poinsettias were part of their celebration of the birth and life of Christ.
The story goes like this: The Bethlehem star shone over the manger where Jesus was born. Its light
was so bright that the earth responded, reflecting that starlight, mirroring that starlight with a beautiful
flower: star-shaped, radiant- shaped, pure white petals, golden star centers. In Mexican lore, it was
always known as "Flores de Noche Buena," the Flowers of the Holy Night.
It grew on earth as a creation to glorify and commemorate that Holy Night. Then came the tragic day
when Jesus died on the cross and the blossoms changed. Pure white petals remembered the sacrifice
of the one born when the star was over Bethlehem. The star-shaped, radiant-shaped, white petals
became blood-red petals.
Though a legend at best, the symbolism is pure. Now in our day, poinsettias are everywhere: on cards,
on trees, in our homes, and in our churches, reminding us once again of a holy night, pointing to a
Good Friday.
The Origin of the Christmas Tree
Today, the Christmas tree is the center of our festivities. Glittering with lights and ornaments, it is a part
of the beauty and meaning of Christmas. There are several legends and stories about the Christmas
tree.
The first use of the Christmas tree was in the medieval German Paradise Plays, held outdoors and
portraying the creation of humankind. The Tree of Life was a fir tree decorated with apples. Later other
ornaments were hung upon them, such as paper flowers and gilded nuts. In England branches or whole
trees were forced into bloom indoors for Christmas. From these beginnings the use of a tree at
Christmas was established.
Martin Luther was perhaps the first to use a lighted tree. The story is told that on one Christmas Eve
Martin Luther wandered outdoors and became enraptured with the beauty of the starry sky. Its
brilliance and loveliness led him to reflect on the glory of the first Christmas Eve as seen in Bethlehem's
radiant skies. Wishing to share with his wife and children the enchantment he had felt, he cut from the
forest an evergreen, glistening with snow, and took it home. He placed upon it candles to represent the
glorious heavens he had seen. The use of a candle-lighted tree spread to all Europe, then America
came to regard it as the central ornament of Christmas.
A Candy Maker’s Witness
A candy maker in Indiana (U.S.) wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the
Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbols into the candy cane that represented the
birth, ministry, and death of Jesus.
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless
nature of Jesus. The hardness symbolized the solid rock, the foundation of the church, and firmness of
the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who
came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the good shepherd, with which he
reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like all sheep, have gone
astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three
small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large
red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal
life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane, a meaningless decoration seen at
Christmastime. But the meaning is still there for those who have "eyes to see and ears to hear." May
this symbol again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and His great love that came down at
Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.
(Today we’ll share candy canes with everyone, a candy that is a witness of our Lord. The youth will
help pass them out to everyone. Whether you eat it or put it in a prominent place, remember the
symbolism that is used in its preparation.)
First Sunday of Advent - The Prophecy Candle: The Candle of Hope - December 2, 2007
The Meaning of Advent
Advent, from the Latin word advenio meaning "to come,” signifies the coming of Christ our Savior.
Advent is a time set aside for reflection on the coming of the Savior marked by a spirit of expectation
and hope. The four weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas call Christians to focus on the joy
of Christ's birth. The season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by
the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians today as we await the
second coming of Jesus.
Traditionally, Advent is the beginning of the Church Year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before
Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
Since the Middle-Ages, many churches and families have used an advent wreath to aid in the
celebration of Christmas.
There are five candles in the Advent Wreath: three purple candles signifying royalty or repentance, 1
pink candle, and one white candle. The first candle is the Prophecy Candle: The Candle of Hope that
announces the period of waiting. The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle: The Candle of the Way
which is symbolic of the preparations being made to receive and to cradle the Christ child. The third
candle is the Shepherd's Candle: The Candle of Joy which typifies the act of sharing Christ. This third
candle is usually a pink color for joy. The fourth candle is the Angels' Candle: The Candle of Peace. A
White candle is placed in the center of the wreath. This center candle is the Christ Candle: The Candle
of Salvation which is lit on Christmas Eve to remind us that Christ is the light of the world. As each
candle is lit it is customary to read a few verses of scripture that relate to the meaning of the candle.
After the candle is lit everyone unites in prayer.
The Advent Wreath is plain, without any ornamentation of ribbon or bow. The evergreen of the wreath,
a spray of fir, spruce, balsam, or pine, represents the life that is found in Christ. The greens have come
from the out-of-doors where nature has begun its winter sleep. Midst the drabness of nature the
evergreen branch symbolizes the continuation of life. In the home the wreath is placed on a central
table or near the hearth. In the church it is usually suspended above the altar or set on a high pedestal
resting on the floor.
Thus the true meaning of Christmas is revealed and celebrated through Advent.
Scripture Reading
First Passage: Isaiah 11:1-5
11:1
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
11:2
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel
and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--
11:3
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by
what he hears with his ears;
11:4
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the
earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
11:5
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
New International Version
Second Passage: Isaiah 60:1-3
60:1
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
60:2
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
New International Version
Second Sunday of Advent - The Bethlehem Candle: The Candle of the Way - December 9, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 40:1-5
40:1
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
40:2
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her
sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
40:3
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a
highway for our God.
40:4
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become
level, the rugged places a plain.
40:5
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the
Lord has spoken."
New International Version
Passage 2: Micah 5:2-4
5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come
for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
5:3
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his
brothers return to join the Israelites.
5:4
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord
his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:1-6
2:1
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman
world.
2:2
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
2:3
And everyone went to his own town to register.
2:4
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the house and line of David.
2:5
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
2:6
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
New International Version
Third Sunday of Advent - The Shepherd’s Candle: The Candle of Joy - December 16, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 52:9-10
52:9
Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has
redeemed Jerusalem.
52:10
The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
New International Version
Passage 2: Isaiah 61:10-11
61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of
salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
61:11
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord
will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:8-11
2:8
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
2:9
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified.
2:10
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people.
2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
New International Version
Fourth Sunday of Advent - The Angel's Candle: The Candle of Peace - December 23, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 9:6-7
9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
New International Version
Passage 2: Luke 2:12-14
2:12
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
2:13
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
New International Version
Christmas Eve - The Christ Candle: The Candle of Salvation - December 24, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 9:2-7
9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of
death a light has dawned.
9:3
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the
harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
9:4
For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across
their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
9:5
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be
fuel for the fire.
9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
New International Version
Passage 2: Luke 2:11
2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:25-32
2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for
the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
2:26
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's
Christ.
2:27
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do
for him what the custom of the Law required,
2:28
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
2:29
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
2:30
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
2:31
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
New International Version
Hanging of the Greens Service - November 25, 2007
Introduction
Why do we do decorate for Christmas? What does it mean? During the Advent season we prepare for
the One who has come, whom we expect to come, and who will come again. We prepare our hearts and
make room for the Messiah. In the hanging of the greens we share with Christians throughout the ages
the memory and anticipation of Christ’s coming. We decorate our church with the symbols of love, joy,
hope, and peace. Why do we do this? To tell the story again and then proclaim: Jesus is born. God is
with us!
This morning we honor Christ’s birth by adorning our church for the coming of our Savior. We use
songs and symbols to remind us of God’s glory and the incarnation of God’s love in the world. For God
loved us so much that Christ was given to the world, so that everyone who believes in the Messiah will
not perish, but will have eternal life.
Let us worship as we study the meaning of the symbols of Christmas.
The Sanctuary Evergreens
Evergreens have long been considered a symbol of eternity, as a sign of God’s everlasting nature, and
a sign that the faithful will experience endless life in fellowship with God in Jesus Christ. Ancient people
viewed the evergreen with awe and wonder because of its changeless nature.
Isaiah 60:13 tells us: “The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the
box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary.”
Though the evergreen has long been viewed with reverence, it has only been in the past four centuries
that Christians have used evergreens to decorate their homes and sanctuaries. In our day evergreens
are a noted symbol of Christmas itself. The evergreens we use to decorate our sanctuary remind us of
God’s endlessness, God’s abiding love in Jesus Christ, and of our eternal fellowship with God when
Christ is our Lord.
Holly and ivy are also used in our Christmas celebrations. Both are rich in symbolism. Because the
holly puts forth bright red berries in the dead of winter, it has been considered a symbol of the endless
life. Secondly, the sharpness of the bush and the redness of the berries have associated it with the
crown of thorns Christ wore and the blood Christ shed for us with his crucifixion. For generations,
Christians have placed holly in their windows as a sign that Christ had entered their homes and was the
Lord of their homes.
Ivy has been used extensively for Christmas decorating since the Middle Ages. It was considered a
symbol of love because of its clinging habit of growth, and of everlasting love and life.
Holly and ivy both have the incredible ability to survive and to grow, just as Christ's churches have
through the ages. And so we decorate our sanctuary with holly and ivy, along with the pine evergreens.
The Nativity
The story of the Christmas crêche, or nativity, goes back many centuries. Saint Francis of Assisi made
it popular. He spent his life preaching, caring for the poor and sick, and teaching people to see beauty
in all creatures.
Saint Francis tried for many years to explain the Christmas story to poor country folks. While they
enjoyed the holiday feasting and merrymaking, they never could understand the true meaning of
Christmas.
Finally, in 1223, Saint Francis thought of a plan. He sent word to the towns and countryside near Assisi;
"Come and keep Christmas with me." So on Christmas Eve, he led the people to a rocky cave near the
town of Creccio. They carried candles and torches to light the way. When they saw the surprise Saint
Francis had prepared for them, they cried out in wonder. There in the cave was a manger filled with
fresh hay; a live ox and donkey stood beside the manger; real people took the parts of Mary, Joseph,
and the shepherds, and a life-sized wax baby lay in the manger.
Saint Francis explained the story as he showed it, how a poor king born in a stable had brought hope
of a better life to everyone. His listeners now began to realize the beauty of the Christmas message.
The cave rang with music as he led the worshipers in joyful singing.
The next year, these people set up their own manger scenes. The custom quickly spread throughout
Italy, and then on to other parts of Europe.
The first crêches were very simple, often using live animals and people. Through the years, these
figures have been made from wood, clay, wax, or other materials.
The Singing of Carols
"On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To tell the news the angels bring."
So says an old carol, and sing we have, from the fourteenth century onward, with words that were
sometimes tender and sometimes merry, but always simple and honest, set to tunes that suggest joy
and happiness.
Many of the traditional carols were composed between 1400 and 1700. In the eighteenth century, the
town Waits often carried these tunes from door to door, lighting their way with lanterns and playing
upon wind instruments. Originally the Waits were simply watchmen who patrolled the streets and called
the hours during the night. Later, though, the name was commonly applied to the town musicians who
played for processions and civic occasions. At Christmas, they walked the streets with music, and were
suitably rewarded by the householders outside whose homes they played.
The Waits have gone now, carrying their oboes, clarinets, and fiddles away with them into the past, but
carol-singers still go on their rounds. Sometimes it is a trained choir or a glee club or perhaps a group
of children that sings the traditional songs. Or it might be a group from our congregation, representing
all ages, which travel by car to the homes of friends, sharing the spirit of Christmas through the gift of
music.
May we continue to find the meaning and beauty of Christmas in the singing of carols.
The Christmas Candles
The Christmas season is symbolic of light. Beginning with the star that guided the wise men to the
manger where the Christ child lay, and then following through with the brightness of his life on earth.
The light of candles has always been considered as the symbol of enlightenment Jesus brought to
earth, and Christmas has a natural association with that tradition.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." He also said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light so
shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." So
the Christmas candles illuminate our souls and we carry forth the message of that light in our lives.
When you light the Christmas candle, when you see its golden glow,
When you watch the flame grow brighter, when the wax begins to flow,
Will you light another candle way down deep within your soul?
That will help you guide your footsteps even nearer to your goal?
As you seek to find the Christ child when he comes to earth again,
To be born, not in a manger, but within the hearts of man.
The Poinsettia
In the past two hundred years, a new element has found its place in our Christmas celebration. From
the Christian practices and symbols in Mexico, the tradition of using poinsettias to decorate our church
during this Advent season has been adopted.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert
Poinsettia, admired the dramatic beauty of the bright red poinsettias that grew rooftop high and
bloomed profusely at Christmas. He brought cuttings of the plant back to the United States.
What astounded him even more were the stories that Mexican Christians told of why the bright red
poinsettias were part of their celebration of the birth and life of Christ.
The story goes like this: The Bethlehem star shone over the manger where Jesus was born. Its light
was so bright that the earth responded, reflecting that starlight, mirroring that starlight with a beautiful
flower: star-shaped, radiant- shaped, pure white petals, golden star centers. In Mexican lore, it was
always known as "Flores de Noche Buena," the Flowers of the Holy Night.
It grew on earth as a creation to glorify and commemorate that Holy Night. Then came the tragic day
when Jesus died on the cross and the blossoms changed. Pure white petals remembered the sacrifice
of the one born when the star was over Bethlehem. The star-shaped, radiant-shaped, white petals
became blood-red petals.
Though a legend at best, the symbolism is pure. Now in our day, poinsettias are everywhere: on cards,
on trees, in our homes, and in our churches, reminding us once again of a holy night, pointing to a
Good Friday.
The Origin of the Christmas Tree
Today, the Christmas tree is the center of our festivities. Glittering with lights and ornaments, it is a part
of the beauty and meaning of Christmas. There are several legends and stories about the Christmas
tree.
The first use of the Christmas tree was in the medieval German Paradise Plays, held outdoors and
portraying the creation of humankind. The Tree of Life was a fir tree decorated with apples. Later other
ornaments were hung upon them, such as paper flowers and gilded nuts. In England branches or whole
trees were forced into bloom indoors for Christmas. From these beginnings the use of a tree at
Christmas was established.
Martin Luther was perhaps the first to use a lighted tree. The story is told that on one Christmas Eve
Martin Luther wandered outdoors and became enraptured with the beauty of the starry sky. Its
brilliance and loveliness led him to reflect on the glory of the first Christmas Eve as seen in Bethlehem's
radiant skies. Wishing to share with his wife and children the enchantment he had felt, he cut from the
forest an evergreen, glistening with snow, and took it home. He placed upon it candles to represent the
glorious heavens he had seen. The use of a candle-lighted tree spread to all Europe, then America
came to regard it as the central ornament of Christmas.
A Candy Maker’s Witness
A candy maker in Indiana (U.S.) wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the
Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbols into the candy cane that represented the
birth, ministry, and death of Jesus.
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless
nature of Jesus. The hardness symbolized the solid rock, the foundation of the church, and firmness of
the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who
came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the good shepherd, with which he
reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like all sheep, have gone
astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three
small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large
red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal
life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane, a meaningless decoration seen at
Christmastime. But the meaning is still there for those who have "eyes to see and ears to hear." May
this symbol again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and His great love that came down at
Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.
(Today we’ll share candy canes with everyone, a candy that is a witness of our Lord. The youth will
help pass them out to everyone. Whether you eat it or put it in a prominent place, remember the
symbolism that is used in its preparation.)
First Sunday of Advent - The Prophecy Candle: The Candle of Hope - December 2, 2007
The Meaning of Advent
Advent, from the Latin word advenio meaning "to come,” signifies the coming of Christ our Savior.
Advent is a time set aside for reflection on the coming of the Savior marked by a spirit of expectation
and hope. The four weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas call Christians to focus on the joy
of Christ's birth. The season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by
the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians today as we await the
second coming of Jesus.
Traditionally, Advent is the beginning of the Church Year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before
Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
Since the Middle-Ages, many churches and families have used an advent wreath to aid in the
celebration of Christmas.
There are five candles in the Advent Wreath: three purple candles signifying royalty or repentance, 1
pink candle, and one white candle. The first candle is the Prophecy Candle: The Candle of Hope that
announces the period of waiting. The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle: The Candle of the Way
which is symbolic of the preparations being made to receive and to cradle the Christ child. The third
candle is the Shepherd's Candle: The Candle of Joy which typifies the act of sharing Christ. This third
candle is usually a pink color for joy. The fourth candle is the Angels' Candle: The Candle of Peace. A
White candle is placed in the center of the wreath. This center candle is the Christ Candle: The Candle
of Salvation which is lit on Christmas Eve to remind us that Christ is the light of the world. As each
candle is lit it is customary to read a few verses of scripture that relate to the meaning of the candle.
After the candle is lit everyone unites in prayer.
The Advent Wreath is plain, without any ornamentation of ribbon or bow. The evergreen of the wreath,
a spray of fir, spruce, balsam, or pine, represents the life that is found in Christ. The greens have come
from the out-of-doors where nature has begun its winter sleep. Midst the drabness of nature the
evergreen branch symbolizes the continuation of life. In the home the wreath is placed on a central
table or near the hearth. In the church it is usually suspended above the altar or set on a high pedestal
resting on the floor.
Thus the true meaning of Christmas is revealed and celebrated through Advent.
Scripture Reading
First Passage: Isaiah 11:1-5
11:1
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
11:2
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel
and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--
11:3
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by
what he hears with his ears;
11:4
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the
earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
11:5
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
New International Version
Second Passage: Isaiah 60:1-3
60:1
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
60:2
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
New International Version
Second Sunday of Advent - The Bethlehem Candle: The Candle of the Way - December 9, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 40:1-5
40:1
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
40:2
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her
sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
40:3
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a
highway for our God.
40:4
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become
level, the rugged places a plain.
40:5
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the
Lord has spoken."
New International Version
Passage 2: Micah 5:2-4
5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come
for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
5:3
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his
brothers return to join the Israelites.
5:4
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord
his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:1-6
2:1
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman
world.
2:2
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
2:3
And everyone went to his own town to register.
2:4
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the house and line of David.
2:5
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
2:6
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
New International Version
Third Sunday of Advent - The Shepherd’s Candle: The Candle of Joy - December 16, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 52:9-10
52:9
Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has
redeemed Jerusalem.
52:10
The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
New International Version
Passage 2: Isaiah 61:10-11
61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of
salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
61:11
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord
will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:8-11
2:8
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
2:9
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified.
2:10
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people.
2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
New International Version
Fourth Sunday of Advent - The Angel's Candle: The Candle of Peace - December 23, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 9:6-7
9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
New International Version
Passage 2: Luke 2:12-14
2:12
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
2:13
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
New International Version
Christmas Eve - The Christ Candle: The Candle of Salvation - December 24, 2007
Passage 1: Isaiah 9:2-7
9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of
death a light has dawned.
9:3
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the
harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
9:4
For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across
their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
9:5
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be
fuel for the fire.
9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
New International Version
Passage 2: Luke 2:11
2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
New International Version
Passage 3: Luke 2:25-32
2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for
the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
2:26
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's
Christ.
2:27
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do
for him what the custom of the Law required,
2:28
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
2:29
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
2:30
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
2:31
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
New International Version
