Christmas actually begins with Advent, the season into which we move today. Both the seasons of Advent, the season of “going toward” the birth of Christ, and Christmas have a long history. These seasons and their customs have developed through many centuries and many countries. Old customs and observances are refined, renewed, replaced; new ones are added. Some of our customs have pagan origins but have been “converted” by redefining their meanings. What is significant for us is not what they may once have meant but rather what they mean for us today.

As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, we light the Christmas tree. During this season of Advent, whenever you see a lit Christmas tree, let is call to mind the one who brings light to our darkness, healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive Him.

The men of Christ Church joined voices in singing “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree”

As a sign of his humble birth, the crib where the Christ Child was first laid was a manger in a stable. The popular Christmas creche at churches and in homes portraits Jesus in his stable crib in Bethlehem, depicting scenes described by Luke and Matthew.

Our young children participate in the Hanging of the Greens ceremony by bringing each of the figurines to the main altar where they will eventually be reconfigured to depict this significant event.

After bringing the symbolic poinsettia to the altar as well, our youngsters sang and provided musical insertions to “Under Bethlehem’s Star.”