Church Service 12/13/2009

On Sunday morning, we did a variation of the "Hanging of the Greens" and a "Chrismon" service. Having car trouble messed up our plans, but this turned out so well. The people of Bethlehem Baptist Church really loved the service and it was very touching. We really wanted to do some special services for the members this year. We have another special service coming up this Sunday. I can't wait...it is one of my favorites.



Our Chrismon tree completely decorated. It was very touching as Mark read what an ornament meant and the person that had that ornament went up and placed it on the tree. The ornaments have a special meaning. Each is a monogram of Christ. They all pertain to a name or something about Christ.

A little closer look at some of the ornaments. They are very pretty.

Another closer look at some of the ornaments.

The big cross ornament is called the Jerusalem Cross. The big white cross represents the cross that Christ would die on while the 4 small gold crosses represent the 4 gospels that told about His life.

The ornaments were bought off of eBay. Yes, that is right eBay. A lady in Missouri made the ornaments. She has 3 small children and makes these after they are asleep.

Each decoration in the church has a meaning. I thought that I would share those on this blog.

The candles and the light they display remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. He is the only hope for our sin-darkened lives.

The red bows that we see stands for the blood Jesus shed as He dies so that we might have forgiveness of sins and right relationship to God. The Babe in the manger is also the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world." John 1:29



The star shaped formation of the red leaves suggests the guiding star of Bethlehem. The crown of flowers reminds us of Him who was born the infant King. The blood red leaves foreshadow the cruel cross that lay ahead for the King of Glory. Underneath the carpet of green is the reflection of abundant life.







The wreath is an endless circle that reminds us of the endless love of God. The green of the wreath symbolizes the abundant, ever growing life Jesus offers to all who believe in and follow Him. He said, "I have come to give you life-life more abundantly."







Are we living a full abundant life that God has promised us today? We all are blessed far above than we deserve. Our needs are met and most of our wants. Worship the Lord this Christmas and not material things. Worship the abundant life He has given you...good health, a roof over your heads, food on the table, a loving family, great friends and lots lots more. We probably couldn't list all that God has given us in our abundant lives.

I am putting another package in the mail for a really good friend of ours. He has been our confidante and prayer partner for many years. This is just a small way to say "Thank You" for always being there. He always remembers us and uplifts us in prayer. There really isn't anything we can do for him that measures to his prayers for us. I am also mailing out sympathy cards to my friends who have lost a parent this past weekend. It is so sad, but especially here at the Christmas holiday. My thoughts and prayers are with these families.

I leave you today with a little poem that concludes our Hanging of the Green service each year. Merry Christmas to all.

"I am the Spirit of Joy;

Here at the Christmas tide

Where hearts are united,

I come to abide."

"Let your candles be lighted,

Your holly be hung,

Your hearth fire be merry,

Your carols be sung."

"In this of all houses,

the Christ Child will abide

Make room for His coming,

Throw the door open wide."

"Hang your greens for His welcome,

Trim gaily your tree,

Put wreaths in your windows,

Follow Me! Follow Me!"