Description
Prepare your sanctuary — and your congregation — for the season of Advent with this simple, participatory Hanging of the Greens liturgy.
Designed for congregations to use as they decorate their worship space, this resource transforms the practical work of preparing for Advent into an opportunity for prayer, Scripture and reflection. Participants are invited to slow down, decorate with intention and consider the meaning behind the symbols that will surround them throughout the season.
The service moves through four familiar elements of Advent preparation: the Advent wreath, nativity, Chrismon tree and evergreen decorations. Each section includes a Scripture reading, an invitation for participants to help place or hang the decorations and a brief responsive prayer.
The liturgy concludes by connecting the sanctuary’s decorations with the congregation’s Advent calling: May these signs and symbols remind us of God’s presence and eternal love — and may we carry hope, joy, peace and love with us into the world.
What’s included
- A welcome and invitation to prepare for Advent with intention
- Scripture readings for each element of the service
- Simple instructions for decorating the Advent wreath, nativity, Chrismon tree and sanctuary greens
- Responsive prayers
- Suggested verses from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Glory to God #88)
- A closing prayer for the congregation and the coming Advent season
This downloadable resource can be adapted to fit your congregation’s traditions, sanctuary and decorating practices.
About the author
Karie Charlton is a PC(USA) pastor, writer and menstrual health advocate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She writes at Period Pastor and can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at @periodpastor.
