Hanging of the Greens

"How shall we prepare Oakwood for the coming of the Christ Child?"

So begins the annual Hanging of the Greens service on each campus of Oakwood Village in Madison.

The service rings in the expectation of Advent and the coming of Christmas with hymns and songs; readings which note the origin of many Christmas customs; and recognizes the greens of the season now hanging in and around each building.

This is my 5th season observing the Hanging of the Greens at Oakwood.

One reading looks into the tradition of gift giving.  The first gifts were brought by the Wise Men to the cradle in Bethlehem, but an Italian Bishop known as Saint Nicholas did acts of kindness which took root.

The wealthy Bishop looked out for needy boys and young women in families who couldn't afford the dowry expected of wives to bring their husbands in getting married.  Nick would use the cover of night to drop bags of gold down the chimney.  It's said the father of three daughters stood watch after the two oldest received the heaven sent blessings on successive nights, so he stood watch to see what might happen for his youngest daughter on the third night.  It's when Saint Nicholas good was revealed.

Those gifts down the chimney led to Christmas stockings.  As hopeful young women suspended stockings under the chimney to catch the purse.

While evergreen trees were part of tradition dating back to ancient Rome for whom they symbolized peace, joy, and victory; Christians recognized the ever-green and ever-alive trees as symbolic of God's unchanging nature and everlasting life given through His Son, Jesus.

Theologian Martin Luther is credited with setting up the first Christmas tree.  Outside on a starry night, the beauty caused him to reflect on the beauty of the first Christmas over Bethlehem.

He wanted his wife and children to share his experience, so he cut down a tree and brought it home.  He placed candles on branches to represent the stars.

The Christmas tree idea spread through Europe.  In America, it's considered the central ornament of the season.

Oakwood's entries, halls, rooms... virtually every nook and cranny reflect the joy of the season.

In our office, we are displaying a small tree with shining lights and ornaments of glass (my grandparent's).

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy leaves are so unchanging.
Not only green, when summer's here, but also when tis cold and drear.
O Christmas tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging.