Hanging of the Green // Introduction

Welcome

While growing up, my family would always decorate for Christmas the Saturday after thanksgiving.

Stockings were hung.

The Christmas tree was placed.

Snow globes were placed on the piano.

The train was placed around the Christmas tree.

BUT, the final decoration was always the placing of the angel at the top of the tree.

My sister and I alternated this tradition every year.

When we were young, my father would hoist one of us up to place this final decoration on the tree.

As we got older, we would get a step stool, but the memory remains.

Every person in this room has a similar tradition with your family. We never forget those special moments with our family.

On that note, I want to welcome you tonight to our annual “Hanging of the Green.”

Throughout this service, you will see our church sanctuary decorated for Christmas.

From the wreaths to the advent candle to the tree, we take this time every year to decorate for Christmas.

Why? Because it is important to remind ourselves at times that we are family.

We may not be blood family, but we are blood-bought family.

So if you have been at the Hanging of the Green service at VBC since the day this tradition started, isn’t it just wonderful to be with family?

Or maybe this is your first hanging of the Green. Or maybe you are even a guest visiting with us. Welcome to the Family. We are glad you are here.