Advent 2 – Hanging of the Greens

Advent 2 – Hanging of the Greens

Worship Celebration with Communion
Cresskill Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

December 6, 2020, 10:00 A.M.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

85 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626
(201) 568-0608

www.cresskillucc.org

Rev. Ronald E. Verblaauw, Interim Pastor
Cell phone - (201) 838-4254 [email protected]
Julie Schmidt, Choir Director Cheryl Woertz, Music Director Eileen Andriano, Office Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Order of Worship, December 6, 2020 – Pg. 2

PRELUDE

THE WELCOME

Rev. Ronald E. Verblaauw

AN ADVENT CELEBRATION - HANGING OF THE GREENS

HYMN

“Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” (vv. 1 & 4)

NCH #122

Tune: Stuttgart

Come, O long expected Jesus, born to set all people free;
From our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty.

By your own eternal Spirit, come to claim us as your own;
By your all-sufficient merit, let us share your cross and crown.

PASTOR: Advent is a time of preparation and a time of waiting. As we make

ready for Christ’s coming, we prepare our sanctuary and our homes with the symbols of Christmas, and we prepare our hearts by opening them to God’s

promise. Then, in awesome anticipation, we wait, focusing our hearts and minds

on God’s greatest gift to the world, God’s Son, born as a tiny babe in a humble

manger in Bethlehem.

“For a child has been born for us,

a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Let us pray (in unison):

- Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV)

Heavenly Creator, as we decorate this sanctuary and our homes, fill our hearts and minds with your love and peace.
Help us to focus with joy on the true meaning of Christmas. May the hope, peace, and joy of this season surround us with your bountiful grace and love. Amen.

THE ADVENT WREATH
READER 1: The circle of evergreens, having no end and bearing four candles, reminds us of the eternal Christ, the light of the world. Each Sunday in Advent, a new candle is lit until all four glow on the fourth Sunday.

Every home should have a circle with four lights. For us, some people will be in the church sanctuary and some will be at home, but always we name that the

primary place of claiming God’s light is where each person lives.

Several years ago, Cláudio Carvalhaes, professor of worship at Union Theological Seminary, suggested that we lament before we light – naming those things which oppose or diminish our hope, peace, joy and love. We name them and then claim the power of that light over them. It is a wise lesson, and in this strange year, his insight seems even more true.

We ask each of you to contribute one word, or name several of the things which oppose hope or shatter peace, the things we miss that seem so important to our joy, the things that numb us to love, and put those words on one or several small pieces of paper in the center of your home wreath and, if possible and you are willing, post them in the chat or comments of Zoom or Facebook Livestream. Many of these may be similar each week – because the same things are quenching all four glowing points of our emotional compass.

Second Sunday in Advent

Leader:
In our sanctuary and in our homes we gather around wreaths to pray our lost hopes, broken peace, limited joys, and love so hard to find and share in this season of coronavirus.
We affirm that our candles mean we claim the power to call this season Advent -

when God’s light comes into the world nothing can overcome it.

We light the candle of hope.

The first Advent candle is lit.

People / Liturgist Reading for the People

We now light the candle of peace in spite of:

[for example: gun violence, anger, post-election violence, dangerous homes,

depression and addiction …]

The second Advent candle is lit.

Leader:

God’s peace illuminates the possibility of reconciliation and healing

and brightens the path to joy.
People / Liturgist Reading for the People

Emmanuel, God be with us, in the week to come, lighting hope and peace on the wick of our lives so that we may shine on our world. Amen.

Hymn

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (v. 3)

Veni Emmanuel
The New Century Hymnal #116

O come, O come, O Adonai, who came to all on Sinai high, And from its peak a single law proclaimed in majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!

THE SYMBOL OF THE EVERGREENS
READER 2: Among the ancient Romans, the evergreen served as a symbol of peace, joy, and victory. The early Christians placed them in their windows to signify that Christ had entered their home. The evergreen also serves as a symbol of eternal life – always green, always fresh and alive, everlasting. Thus, the evergreen is a symbol of the eternal promise of salvation and the everlasting God. The hanging of the greens has become a tradition of preparation for Christmas.

HYMN

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (v. 1)

UMC #184

Tune: Divinum Mysterium

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,

he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he of the things that are, that have been and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore.

THE ORIGIN AND SYMBOL OF THE POINSETTIA
READER 1:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will appear over you.”

- Isaiah 60: 1-2 (NRSV)

The poinsettia is known in Central America as the “Flower of the Holy Night.”

This blossom is a newer Christmas tradition. Its star shape reminds us of the Bethlehem star. Two legends have evolved from this flower. The first explains its origin. A little boy, having nothing to give the baby Jesus, prayed, and as he did, the flower grew at his feet. He picked the blossom and gave it to the Christ Child. The second legend tells us that the poinsettia was white, representing the purity of Christ.

Place poinsettia(s) on the altar.

HYMN

“Creator of the Stars of Night” (vv. 1 & 5) Hymnal 1982 #60

Tune: Conditor alme siderum

Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light,

O Christ, Redeemer of us all, we pray you hear us when we call. Come in your holy might, we pray, redeem us for eternal day; defend us while we dwell below from all assaults of our dread foe.

CHRISMONS

READER 3: “Chrismons” are handmade Christmas tree ornaments with various symbols of Christianity. The name “Chrismon” comes from a combination of the

words Christ and Monogram. Some of the traditional symbols of Christianity are monograms composed of various combinations of letters for the name Christ or titles for Jesus. These monograms and other symbols were used in the early church as secret symbols of Christianity. To preserve the tradition of what the Chrismons represent the liturgical colors of white, silver, and gold are used.

FISH: Early Christians used the drawing of a simple fish outline to identify themselves to one another, as they were often persecuted by the Roman Empire officials.

The FISH Chrismon is hung on the tree.

MANGER: The birth of Jesus and the ordinary life, to which he was born,

A MANGER Chrismon is hung on the tree.

ANGEL: Represents God’s messengers who brought the good news of Jesus’ birth,

An ANGEL Chrismon is hung on the tree.

DOVE: The best known symbol of the Holy Spirit, reminding us of Jesus’

baptism,

A DOVE Chrismon is hung on the tree.

CHI RHO: The oldest monogram for Jesus Christ. They represent the 1^st& 2^ndletters of the Greek word for CHRIST.

A CHI RHO Chrismon is hung on the tree.

CROWN: Symbolizes CHRIST as King of Kings

A CROWN Chrismon is hung on the tree.

READING FROM THE PSALMS

Psalm 85 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favor

To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.

123

Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.
You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.

Selah

45678

Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.^[a]
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,

910 11 12 13

and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 85:8 Gk: Heb but let them not turn back to folly

HYMN

“A Great and Mighty Wonder” (vv. 2 & 5)

CoC #40

The Word becomes incarnate, descending from on high; And cherubim sing anthems to shepherds from the sky.

Since all he comes to ransom, by all be he adored, The Infant born in Bethlehem, the Savior and the Lord!

SYMBOL OF THE CANDY CANE

READER 2: The shepherd’s crook is a common symbol of Christmas, reminding

us of the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the newborn Christ

child. The “Candy Cane” had its beginning in 1670 when a choirmaster in Germany handed out sugar sticks, bent as a shepherd’s crook, to keep his young

singers quiet during a Christmas pageant. At the turn of the century, red and white stripes and peppermint flavoring became the norm. The white represents

Christ’s purity and the red stripe, the Lord’s sacrifice. The candy cane can be seen as a “J” standing for Jesus or the crook of the Good Shepherd. No matter

how plentiful and traditional the candy cane is at Christmas, it is a true symbol

of Christ’s birth.

A CANDY CANE is hung on the tree.

ALL OTHER SYMBOLS: There are many other symbols which represent all our traditions and meanings, old and new. Whatever your symbols, we encourage you to remember and remind others of them often.

All other ornaments may be brought forward to be hung on the tree.

THE CHRISTMAS STAR
READER 1: The star serves as a symbol of Christmas in many ways. We remember the star of Bethlehem and the Magi following the star to find the Christ child. Revelation 22:16 also refers to Jesus as the Morning Star:

“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning

star.”

The Starlight is universal; its rays are seen everywhere and so stars have become a symbol of peace throughout the world.

Deacons will light the pew lights.

HYMN

“Star-Child” (vv. 1 & 5)

Shirley Erena Murray

Sing! Prayer and Praise #174

Star-Child, earth-Child go-between of God,

love Child, Christ Child, heaven’s lightning rod.

This year, this year, let the day arrive when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!

Hope-for-Peace Child, God’s stupendous sign,

down-to-earth Child, Star of stars that shine.
This year, this year, let the day arrive when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!

THE CHRISTMAS TREE
READER 2: In ancient times, trees and all nature were held in great reverence as a symbol of rebirth. During the season, trees were brought indoors and decorated as part of pagan worship. Because of this, trees were banned in many Christian churches until the church leaders studied the words of Isaiah 60:13,

“The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the pine, the fir and the cypress

together, to adorn the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of my

feet.”

Many legends have evolved about the Christmas tree. The legend from the sixteenth century tells the story of Martin Luther, a German church reformer, who was inspired by the beauty of an evergreen tree lit by the stars on Christmas Eve. He cut down the tree, dragged it home, and lighted the limbs with candles to simulate the stars in the sky above Bethlehem.

Light the Christmas tree.

ANTHEM

“Angels Sing and Celebrate”

Tom Fettke

THE NATIVITY SCENE

READER 1:

- Luke 2:15-16 (NRSV)

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has

taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with

haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.”
READER 2: In the Middle Ages, when few people could read and church services were in Latin, carved figures were used to tell Bible stories, especially the story of

Jesus’ birth, the Nativity. This scene bears many names: Nativity scene,

Christmas manger, manger scene, and Crèche, to name a few. St Francis of Assisi is given credit for popularizing the manger scene in 1224 when he used a cave outside a small Italian town and set up a manger scene with live animals and real people. Jesus, the Christ Child, was life-size and was made of wax.

READER 3:

“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

Micah 5:2-5a (NRSV) who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.”

HYMN

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (vv. 1 & 3)

COC #2

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

PASTOR: Let us, through the great traditions of our faith, prepare with the shepherds of Bethlehem, the Wise Men from the East, Simeon and Anna, and seekers throughout the ages, to welcome the One whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Let us prepare our hearts and our minds to receive Him when He comes. At Christmastide, may we bring Him our gifts with gratitude and joy.

May the message of our songs and our lives be, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, Peace and good will to people everywhere.”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Prayer Requests Pastoral Prayer

THE OFFERTORY
God has enriched us in every way – in speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts.
From the fellowship of Jesus Christ, we are sent out to share with thanksgiving what we have received from your bountiful hand.

You are invited to continue your support at this time. You may either:
• write your check and prepare it for mailing to the church, or, • to go to the church website (www.cresskillucc.org)

o click on the heading ‘Give’ o then click on the green ‘Give’ button to make your donation /

pledge through Tithe.ly.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Faithful God, we thank you that Christ is being revealed in every time and place until he comes again in the fullness of glory.
Strengthen our testimony and spiritual gifts; increase generosity in us, we pray, as we wait for the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

HYMN

“Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” (vv. 2 & 3)

NCH #122
Tune: Stuttgart

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope to all the earth impart;

Dear desire of every nation, enter every longing heart. Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again.

SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

Maren Tirabassi

December 6, is the second Sunday in Advent, often called the Sunday of Peace. In the United States the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery is remembered on this date.

A deeply appropriate song for this day would be “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” (We have sung this song earlier during our ‘Hanging of the Greens.’ ) Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and

the lyrics were written by Philip Brooks in the midst of his depression after the Civil War and leading the memorial service for Abraham Lincoln.

This communion liturgy is shared freely to churches that offer virtual worship or a hybrid sanctuary with both home tables and some people practicing distancing and caution in their sanctuary. This is my ninth month of offering Communion liturgy to celebrate how Sacrament transcends circumstance.

Invitation to Communion
The story is told that during the Blitz in World War II Britain, when the city was strafed and bombed, Operation Pied Piper evacuated many children to the country, but some remained in London and many of those were orphans. Some were sheltered in a Jesuit order of brothers, who noticed the children had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, night after night. When the children were being put to bed one night, one of the brothers

guessed the children’s problem was that they were anxious because of

uncertainty in their lives, and gave each child a small piece of bread, saying something like this –

“Hold on to your piece of bread while you are sleeping. Remember,

when you woke up this morning, we fed you and took care of you. When you wake up tomorrow, we will be here for you. Let the bread

remind you of this. Good night, children.”

The children slept.
Come, to be comforted in the story of Bethlehem, and in this the House of Bread.
Come to be comforted at this table by a handful of bread and a cup of love, that will stay with you always.

Words of Remembering

O, we remember God’s promises of Emmanuel, and a branch of Jesse’s root,

of Leader, Wisdom, Monarch, Key of all that is locked, and Dawn of every morning.

And we remember the sacred story, that happened in the House of Bread for a new mother and a fostering father, sheep and shepherds, a few wise travelers with gifts and many, many angels.

And we remember that the baby named Jesus, grew up to heal people, and teach them with strange parables, that made people angry.

At Passover he broke unleavened bread. and poured wine and love freely. that all may live in peace, and be comforted, and be led in peace, and also hope and joy and love, with all the world.

Prayer of Consecration

Emmanuel, God with us, in our lonely nights, under our guiding stars, with the hopes and fears of all our years, we come for comfort, for peace of mind and peace on earth, for a blessing on our hands and the bread in them, on our lips and the cup we lift to it.