Down a Carolina Road
It is Sunday and we go to
church!
It’s time to HANG THE
GREENS!
I admit that this year I have been slow to get inspired to
decorate for the Christmas season. I just
could not get the inspiration to go in the attic and hunt to find the items I
want to use and separate them from the ones that have seen better days. Just needed some inspiration. Well as always, God knew what we all needed.
Today at our church and at many churches across North
Carolina, hanging of the greens was celebrated.
Our church went through a lot of preparation to make the event a
sermon. With each item that was placed
in the sanctuary we heard an old world story about why we do this in the
Christian faith. Then we sang a
Christmas carol. Then we heard another
description of why we hang stockings, why we have lights on the tree, why we
use evergreens, even the old story of a Bishop that began the tradition of
walking up on roof tops and dropping coins down the chimney to the less
fortunate.
As much as many corporations focus on the commercialization
of this season. . . we are reminded again and again that we celebrate CHRISTmas
because of the birth of Christ. We are
reminded that all the traditions that go with Christmas all have roots and ties
to the Christian faith.
Well, today’s service worked. I was inspired. Now our home looks like a mess of boxes and
decorations, and ribbons and lights! But
we are getting it done . . . because it is part of our Christian faith to
celebrate the birth of our King.
Luke 2:1-20
King James Version (KJV)
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a
decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor
of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him
in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in
the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I
bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from
them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made
known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and
the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the
saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which
were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her
heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Grouse Forest 358
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