Streams of Mercy

Each First Sunday of Advent for the last ten years, it’s been a blessing to be a part of the annual Hanging of the Greens service at Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church.

The question “How do we prepare this house of worship for the coming of God’s Son?” is posed, and the worship space answers as it is called to life in the same special ways each year:

“… with branches of cedar, the tree of royalty;

with four-candled wreath, circle of God’s unending

love to mark our journey;

with garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are

ever-living, ever-green;

with wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of his passion,

death and resurrection;

with candles and lights and a brightly burning star;

with Mary and Joseph and the babe in the manger;

with poinsettias of deepest red, flowers of the Holy Night;

with bells and chimes and songs of praise and welcome;

with the reading of words of Scripture foretelling and

telling the saving work of God…”

Chimes and Christmas Bells ring out and “there’s a song in the air!” Words from the prophets and the Gospels are read and we sing carols. Our children gather around the manger and give their gifts to the Holy Child. “The Little Drummer Boy” walks the aisle playing his drum; the Chrismon Tree is decorated with ornaments telling of Jesus’ life: the manger, the star, the dove, the lamb, the cross, the crown …

This proclamation is read:

The candles are lit! The greens are hung!

The words have been read. The songs have been sung;

Emmanuel, God with us, we speak of your birth tonight,

bringing love and comfort, showing us your light.

We’re called to do the same, as we leave this holy place,

our lives true reflections of your love and grace.

The service concludes in a circle of candlelight, singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and lifting our candles to “Rejoice, rejoice!”

How I will miss this special service in this special place! Another memory tucked in my heart to carry on.

Elizabeth