This past Sunday my church celebrated the first Sunday in advent with the Hanging of the Greens and the lighting of the Chrismon Tree and the first Advent Candle. Congregants participated in the reading of scripture as well as readings on the symbolic significance of the holly, ivy, cedar, pine, and fir. During the readings, children dressed the sanctuary with greenery.

At a later time in the service, the Chrismon Tree and the Advent Candle were lit. The tree and candle were lit in conjunction with readings allowing for further reflection. What is the significance of such celebration and tradition?

In the Christian tradition, Advent is the church season that begins the first Sunday in December. It is a season of expectation and preparation that has been celebrated through the centuries. It is a celebration of the coming of Christ the King. Advent, which means coming, is a season of reflection, but its mood is joyful.

Among ancient Romans evergreens were an emblem of peace, joy and victory. The early Christians placed evergreens in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home.

The cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality and was used for purification. The cedar branches are placed as a sign of Christ who reigns as king and whose coming purifies hearts.

The evergreen leaves of the pine and fir were seen by the ancients as representative of ever living or life eternal. For this reason, the evergreens are shaped into circular wreath which has no end, signifying the eternal reign of the King.

Wreaths or branches of holly and ivy tell of the King's passion, death and resurrection. Seen in ancient times as signs of Christ's passion, the prickly leaves suggested the crown of thorns, the red berries the blood of the Savior, and the bitter bark the drink offered on the cross.

The lighted Advent Candle and Chrismon tree represent the mystery of the incarnation; the coming of the light of the world. During Advent, these lighted symbols bring to mind the One who brings light.

The Chrismon Tree is a more recent American tradition credited to Frances Kipps Spencer in Danville, Virginia. Spencer observed Chrismon, which means monogram of Christ, at her church in 1957. The Chrismon trees included ancient Christian symbols dating back to the origin of the first century church.

There are many traditions associated with the celebration of the Christmas season. For instance: caroling, kissing under the mistletoe, and the exchanging of cards and gifts. Nancy Carson Library is a great place to begin a search on the origin of Christmas traditions you may be interested in. . Two books that are available for the juvenile reader include: Who is Santa Claus?: the true story behind the living legend by Rob Crichton and Merry Christmas! A history of the holiday by Patricia Bunning Stevens. For the more mature reader there is Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins.

See you at the library.