ADVENT SEASON All creation groans together as we await redemption and restoration of all of life. Advent is a time to repent in preparation for a new age in which the leaves of the trees, as John the Seer depicts it in his vision of the new Jerusalem, will be “a healing for the nations” (Rev. 22:2). Some ideas and themes that fit with this Advent season:
CHRISTMAS Again, Christmas is a time in many congregations of special decorations that draw our attention to the beauty of creation. With that, our celebration of Christmas is joined not only to the songs of angels, but with the hymns of all creation. When your congregation is getting a Christmas tree, perhaps include a blessing of the growth of all trees or a prayer as you cut it for its life that joins and enhances your congregation's praise. Some
congregations have a service of the burning of Christmas trees on
Epiphany. Instead, why not have a service of recycling and rebirth as
the trees are prepared for composting? Or place a living Christmas tree in the church and then plant it on church property in the spring. You may also have poinsettias adorning your sanctuary. These, especially, are connected to the season's rhythms of light and darkness. (Read some more about "photoperiodism" here.) The Christmas story and its surrounding carols and hymns have lots to draw our attention to creation. What would Luke 2 be without night skies and sheep and a barn and hay in the feed trough? We sing of stars and ox and ass that are lowing. In a dark night of mid-winter, we celebrate new birth and light that comes into the darkness. EPIPHANY SEASON Here we celebrate the manifestation and glory of God not only in the arrival of the Christ child but also in the light and glory of God present in the beautiful works of human creativity and in the magnificence of the whole Earth and indeed in the resplendent vastness of the entire cosmos. Even in the midst of winter, this "green" season is a chance to see the abundance of life shared in Jesus, with waters and fish and light more. |