The Hanging of the Greens

It is the practice of many Christian congregations to place seasonal items in their sanctuaries in the Advent and Christmas season.  Some of these churches refer to “decorating the church.”  That is an accurate description for what they do and why they do it.

In United Methodist churches and in the sanctuaries of other liturgical denominations or congregations, what happens at this time of year is that our sanctuaries are appointed for Advent.  “Decoration” implies that something is arranged in the sanctuary because it is attractive, or for mere visual effect.  Liturgical churches place nothing in the worship space that does not directly involve the worship of God.  Now, certainly, these can be beautiful.  I am second to none in my appreciation of well-executed stained-glass windows or of worshipful tapestries.  Sappy quotations (no matter what the medium) or secular Christmas trees do not fall under the category of “appointments.”  I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  And without going into detail, I assure you that I have worshiped in some sanctuaries that contained some of the most garish items you can imagine.  But, applying the above criteria, they had their place.

The Hanging of the Greens is a worship service during which the various seasonal appointments are either physically placed or – more often – are interpreted for the congregation.  These appointments include (but are not limited to) an Advent Wreath, evergreens, candles, a Chrismon tree, holly wreaths and garland, poinsettias, lights and bells.  The entire worship service can be a deeply meaningful time for congregants as their “ordinary” worship area is transformed into a seasonal wonder.

It is frequently the practice to call attention to a given appointment, to read a scriptural passage related to the item, to have the element interpreted and then to have a piece of seasonal music, either congregational or offered in some other fashion.

The Hanging of the Greens models a practice that we follow all too seldom: the regular and specific interpretation of sanctuary appointments – seasonal or permanent – for our churches.  Maybe we can embrace that paradigm more fully.