ADVENT TIP OF THE DAY 18: Greening of the church; Chrismon tree; Advent names of Jesus
I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day
QUESTION: What is the greening of the church?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
Greening of the church services, also known as "Hanging of the Greens," are traditional Christian ceremonies held to decorate churches for the Advent and Christmas seasons. These services typically take place on or just before the start of Advent, serving as a preparation for Christmastide. Here are key aspects of these services:
Purpose and Symbolism
The service involves adorning the church with evergreen vegetation, which symbolizes everlasting life in Christian theology.
Decorations often include evergreen wreaths, garlands, holly, ivy, pine, and fir, chosen for their symbolism of remaining green and alive even in winter.
Timing and Format
Usually held on the first Sunday of Advent or during a separate evening service.
Some churches organize it as a workshop-style event the day before the first Sunday of Advent, involving families in the decoration process.
Elements of the Service
Biblical passages and readings are incorporated to explain the significance of various decorations, such as holly, cedar, the Advent wreath, and the Chrismon tree.
The service often includes hymns, prayers, and sometimes a message or sermon related to the Advent themes.
Participants actively engage in hanging wreaths, garlands, and other decorations during the service.
Cultural and Historical Significance
This tradition has roots in pre-Christian practices of using greenery around the winter solstice, later adapted by the Christian church.
In colonial America, King's Chapel in Boston was among the first to introduce this practice in New England in the 1690s, at a time when Christmas celebrations were not widely accepted in the region.
Greening services offer a multisensory, communal experience that engages congregants in preparing the church space and their hearts for the Advent season, combining symbolism, scripture, and active participation.1
QUESTION: What is a Christmon tree?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
A Chrismon tree is a special type of Christmas tree that holds deep religious significance in Christian traditions. Here are the key aspects of a Chrismon tree:
Origin and Meaning
The term "Chrismon" is a combination of "Christ" and "monogram," meaning symbols or monograms of Christ.
Chrismon trees were first introduced in 1957 by Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia.
Appearance and Symbolism
The tree is typically an evergreen, symbolizing the eternal life provided by Jesus Christ.
It is decorated exclusively with white and gold ornaments and clear lights.
White represents purity and joy
Gold signifies majesty and glory
The clear lights symbolize Christ as the light of the world.
Decorations
Chrismons are ornaments representing various Christian symbols, including:
Crosses, stars, fish, crowns, and Greek letters like alpha and omega.
These symbols are designed to tell the story of Christ and remind viewers of His identity and ministry.
Purpose and Use
Chrismon trees are often placed in the chancel or nave of churches during Advent and Christmastide.
They serve as a way to decorate church sanctuaries while emphasizing the true meaning of Christmas.
The tradition has spread to various Christian denominations, including Lutherans, Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, and Reformed churches.
Tradition and Practice
Chrismons are traditionally handmade and never sold commercially, reflecting the idea that they are gifts made with love.
Many churches involve their congregations in creating and maintaining Chrismon collections, often passing the responsibility between different groups over time.
The Chrismon tree stands as a visual representation of Christian faith during the Christmas season, offering a meaningful alternative to more secular holiday decorations.2
QUESTION: What are 25 common Chrismon symbols and their meaning?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
Here are 25 common Chrismon symbols and their meanings:
Symbols of Christ
1. Chi Rho (XP): The first two letters of "Christ" in Greek, representing Jesus Christ.
2. IHS: The first three letters of "Jesus" in Greek.
3. Alpha and Omega: Symbolizing Christ as the beginning and the end.
4. Lamb: Represents Jesus as the "Lamb of God."
5. Fish (Ichthys): An early Christian symbol for Jesus.
Symbols of the Trinity
6. Triangle: Represents the Holy Trinity.
7. Triquetra: Three interlocking circles symbolizing the Trinity.
8. Three Circles Intertwining: Another representation of the Trinity.
Symbols of Jesus' Life and Ministry
9. Manger: Symbolizes the nativity of Jesus.
10. Five-Pointed Star: Represents the Star of Bethlehem.
11. Crown: Symbolizes Christ as King.
12. Crown of Thorns: Represents Jesus' suffering.
13. Cross: Symbolizes Christ's crucifixion and salvation.
14. Butterfly: Represents resurrection and transformation.
Symbols of Christian Concepts
15. Anchor Cross: Symbolizes hope and steadfastness.
16. Dove: Represents the Holy Spirit and peace.
17. Shell with Water Drops: Symbolizes baptism.
18. Chalice: Represents the Holy Communion.
19. Grapes: Another symbol of Holy Communion.
20. Scroll: Represents the Scriptures.
Other Christian Symbols
21. Ship: Symbolizes the Church.
22. Lamp: Represents wisdom and the Word of God.
23. Heart: Symbolizes love and charity.
24. Fleur-de-Lis: Represents the Virgin Mary and the Trinity.
25. Eight-Pointed Star: Symbolizes regeneration through baptism.
These Chrismons are typically white and gold, with white representing purity and perfection, and gold symbolizing God's glory and majesty. They are often used to decorate Christmas trees in churches and Christian homes, serving as reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.
QUESTION: How are the names of Jesus used in Advent devotions?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
The names of Jesus are frequently used in Advent devotions to help believers reflect on the nature and significance of Christ during the season leading up to Christmas. Here are some key ways the names of Jesus are incorporated into Advent practices:
Daily Devotional Readings
Many Advent devotionals focus on a different name or title of Jesus each day:
Some use 25 names, one for each day from December 1st to Christmas Day
Others use 12 names to align with the 12 days before Christmas
Common names included are Immanuel, Savior, Messiah, Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and Good Shepherd
These daily readings typically include:
The name of Jesus for that day
A relevant Bible verse or passage
A short reflection on the meaning and significance of that name
Advent Calendars and Ornaments
Some families create Advent calendars or Christmas tree ornaments featuring the names of Jesus:
Paper chains with a name written on each link
Numbered envelopes or boxes containing name cards to open each day
Ornaments decorated with different names to hang on the tree
These visual aids help make the names tangible, especially for children.
Prayer Focus
The names of Jesus are used as prompts for prayer during Advent:
Meditating on a particular name each day
Praying through the implications of Jesus' identity as revealed in His names
Using the names as a framework for praise and thanksgiving
Worship and Hymns
Many Advent and Christmas hymns incorporate the names and titles of Jesus:
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
"What Child Is This?"
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" with lines like "Prince of Peace" and "Sun of Righteousness"
Theological Reflection
Studying the names of Jesus during Advent allows for deeper theological reflection on:
The incarnation and dual nature of Christ as fully God and fully man
The various roles and aspects of Jesus' identity and mission
How the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus
By focusing on these names throughout Advent, believers aim to prepare their hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ and to gain a richer understanding of who Jesus is and what His birth means for humanity.3
QUESTION: List 25 names of Jesus Christ often used in Advent devotions?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
Here is a list of 25 names of Jesus Christ commonly used in Advent devotions:
1. The Word - John 1:1
2. Light of the World - John 8:12
3. Immanuel - Matthew 1:23
4. Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
5. Savior - Luke 2:11
6. Christ - John 20:31
7. Lamb of God - John 1:29
8. Good Shepherd - John 10:11
9. King of Kings - Revelation 19:16
10. Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8
11. Messiah - John 4:25
12. Son of God - John 1:34
13. Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:6
14. Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6
15. Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6
16. Cornerstone - Isaiah 28:16
17. The Vine - John 15:5
18. The Way, the Truth, and the Life - John 14:6
19. Bread of Life - John 6:35
20. Lion of Judah - Revelation 5:5
21. Redeemer - Isaiah 44:24
22. Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5
23. High Priest - Hebrews 4:14-16
24. Bright Morning Star - Revelation 22:16
25. Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23
This list combines names from various Advent devotionals and Scripture passages, focusing on titles that highlight different aspects of Jesus' nature, roles, and significance in Christian theology.
1 and https://www.ashleydanyew.com/posts/hanging-of-the-greens and and https://www.kings-chapel.org/historyblog/decking-the-halls-the-history-of-greening-for-the-holidays-at-kings-chapel and and https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/justice-local-church-ministries/efam/environmental-justice/greening-your-churchs-theology-and-worship/ and and and and and and
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."