Liturgical Nerds

One of the best memories I have from childhood is of preparing for Christmas throughout the house. My family would make a big deal out of getting the Christmas tree from the box, dragging all the lights and ornaments out of the top of a closet, setting out nativity sets, and putting lights on the outside (some years!).

At church, things were no different — the Hanging of the Greens service the first Sunday night of Advent was hands-down my favorite of the whole year. The sanctuary was filled with greenery, the Christmas creche put into place, and symbols of expectation and Christ were prominently displayed, accompanied by carol-singing and Scripture-reading and a festive party.

If Advent is a time of preparation, we can spend the whole season making things ready, and that includes outward decorations that indicate our inward state. Candles and lights, trees and wreaths — they all have something to teach us and our families and friends if only we take the time to do it right. So spend some time today not just hanging something up or setting it out, but talking about its significance with the kids or neighbors, and be sure to decorate your interior space as richly as we do our trees and homes.