IN CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
A Hanging of the Greens Program
Narrator: Welcome to our celebration - We have gathered here for a joyous celebration of a holy season leading up to a holy night: the night of our Savior’s birth. We are here tonight not only to decorate our church, but to tell once again the story of God’s Son coming to earth. It was a night of divine wonder but most of all, it was a night of hope, as God gave His only begotten Son to a world in need of a Savior and for the first time, the soul of man felt its worth to a loving Heavenly Father. So, welcome to our night of celebration. Welcome to our celebration of joy -- welcome to our celebration of hope!
Congregational: “JOY TO THE WORLD” (verse 1,2)
“JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE YOU” (verses 1,2)
“O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL” (verses 1,2)
THE EVERGREEN WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: We begin tonight where everything must begin, we begin with the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. The evergreen has long been a symbol of life -- everlasting life. It reminds us that, even in the darkest of winters, life continues. The evergreen symbolizes God, the one who is life, the one who gives life. It was the prophet Isaiah who said, "There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6,7)
Solo: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (verses 1&4): _______________________
THE STAR WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: The star has long been a witness to the happenings of man. Created before man, the star shone its light while man committed the first sin in the garden of Eden. The star shone its silent witness as Moses led the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt. The star brilliantly proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ and lead all who would follow to the place of Jesus’ birth. The star shined it’s glory on the face of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” The star stood vigil while Jesus slept in the grave for two nights and the stars now declare His glory as He is seated at the right hand of God. It is the star that has stood witness to the victories and failures of mankind since the beginning and it is the star that declares the presence of God in our world today. Apostle John writes: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Solo: “THE BIRTHDAY OF A KING”: _________________________________
THE ANGEL WREATHS: _____________________________
Narrator: The Angels, the Messengers of God, have always been a part of the history of mankind. It was the angel Gabriel who was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, Gabriel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then Gabriel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. "And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:26-35)
Congregational or Solo: “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH”
THE DOVE WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: The doves are the symbol of God’s presence with us. Matthew wrote: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." (Matthew 1:18-23) From the ark of Noah, to Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan, to the disciple’s Holy Spirit baptism in the upper room, the dove has been God’s symbol of His presence and activity in our lives. Jesus name is Immanuel, and God is with us.
Congregational or Solo: “EMMANUEL”
THE SWADDLING CLOTHES WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: The strips of cloth are placed as a reminder of what Jesus willing did for us. Philippians chapter two reads: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus laid aside all of His glory, wealth, and honor, to come to us as a babe born into poverty. We read: “There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” This Roman edict was announced in every Judean village. Joseph new that he would have to go to Bethlehem the City of David for the census, and although Mary was about to deliver her first child they had no choice but to make the long difficult journey.
So Joseph and Mary joined the other frantic travelers on the crowded streets, hoping to make it to their destination safely. But there was danger on the high ways from bands of thieves, and all the public accommodations were quickly filling. The rich and poor vied for limited food and lodging, and as they arrived in Bethlehem, the best Joseph could find was a stable behind the inn and a manger filled with hay. Thus the prophecy was fulfilled, "But Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little, yet out of thee shall he come forth a ruler in Israel." So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7) Jesus set aside the robes of glory to be wrapped in the rags of humanity, and He willingly did this because of His love for each of us.
Solo: “OH HOLY NIGHT” (183 verse 1) ________________________________
THE TRUMPET WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: The events immediately following Jesus birth are exciting indeed. Luke chapter two records one event that forever changed the life of several cold, lonely, shepherd boys. He writes: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were very afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14) Can you imagine the shepherd’s excitement as they frantically ran to see this one of whom the angels had told them. Can you image their awe as they look upon the face of Jesus for the first time. Can you sense their deep gratitude that God would make His presence known to them so that they, too, could worship this one who came to save the world.
Congregational or Solo: “HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING”
THE GIFTS WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: And there were Wiseman from the east, men of great position and wealth, and learned students of the heavens who saw the star which announced the birth of Jesus. They set out on a journey, a great caravan, traveling hundreds of miles over the desert to visit this newborn child. Their arrival in Jerusalem caused quite a stir. "Where is he that is born King of the Jews," they asked, "for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him." And Herod’s own scribes, themselves great students of prophecy, confirmed that such a king was to be born in Bethlehem. And so they proceeded on their quest to find this king for whom the heavenly sign was given. And behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-11)
The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were significant because they revealed God’s complete purpose in sending Jesus to earth. Gold was the most appropriate gift for a King and reminds us that Jesus truly is the King of Kings. Frankincense was the gift for a priest and causes us to remember that Jesus is truly our High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for the saints. Myrrh was an unusual gift for a newborn because myrrh was given only to those who were dying. From the very beginning Jesus’ life had but one purpose: To die for the sins of mankind.
Congregational or Solo: “WHAT CHILD IS THIS”
THE BELLS WREATH: _____________________________
Narrator: The bells are hung as a celebration of the peace God has brought to all who will receive it. As on that first Christmas day, the peace and joy that Christmas brings is still very much alive in our world today. As Simeon, we too can proclaim: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring salvation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." God has come to speak peace into our world, into our homes, and into our hearts.
Congregational or Solo: “I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY”
CONCLUSION:
Narrator: Christmas is a remembrance and a celebration of that holy night long ago when the Savior brought hope and joy into our world. He didn’t remain a babe in that manger, but He grew to be a man, and His light is now shining abroad in our lives. As His love lights our hearts, the chains of sin are broken. In the light of His love, oppression ceases. And only in the light of His love can we truly love one another. But we have to accept His love and live in its light as He has taught us. That is why we have gathered here together tonight, we must rejoice and be glad, for He is the Light and we have received that Light. Thus we end where we began: In celebration.
Congregational: “JOY TO THE WORLD” (ver. 1,2)
“JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE YOU” (ver. 1,2)
