Hanging of the Green

It's that season again and time to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Tonight the women of our church will gather to decorate for Advent and Christmas. This story is from our gathering last year. I know this year will be as joyful

November 25, 2007

Rain drizzles. I park the truck and pull my coat closer to block out the cold. I open the church door and soft voices mixed with laughter float to me, more warming than the heat of the building. Favorite melodies drift around us and proved soothing background. I smile to myself in expectation of the evening ahead.

Tables arranged with soft white cloths and burgundy silk, topped with candles shining through the prism of crystal holders offer welcome. Across the room stands a long table draped in gold. Burgundy poinsettias and pewter candelabras rest amid the deep wine of the artfully scrunched runner; it invites us to taste the tempting morsels we bring.

In one corner, a group of several women sort the sections of a giant Christmas tree. They fluff branches and place them firmly on the "trunk". Miniature white lights are strung and lit; the angel placed securely on top. Perfection!

At the front of the sanctuary, a small group of friends wind strings of lights among the branches of huge wreaths and greenery. The tiny lights cause large bows of burgundy and gold to shine in contrast to the deep green. They hang these around the baptistery. More friends hang wreaths along the side walls, between the windows.

At the altar, a table arrives. Carefully, the ladies place a gold lame' runner on the polished wood. One cleans the Advent Ring reverently then arranges it on one corner. Another places a Bible, open to the Nativity Story, on the opposite corner.

The lights of the sanctuary dim until we see only by the illumination of the candles and the Christmas lights. We sisters in Christ gather. Hands and hearts joined in prayer, we give thanks and ask for blessing. We fill plates and sit to rest. Time is spent chatting over food and catching up with friends.

Soon, we clear our tables and move as a group to the altar. We listen to memories and gift ideas and ways to enhance the anticipation of Advent. We move closer and sing Christmas Hymns. I sense the Lord's presence in voices lifted in song, and also in the laughter when we falter at the words.

It's getting late. Husbands and families expect us at home. We unite in prayer again and go our separate ways. I know, as we go out into the cold dark night, when we met together for the hanging o' the green, we had a taste of heaven here on earth.