Advent: Blessing the Christmas tree

Advent traditions vary but the reasons remain the same: to prepare our hearts for welcoming God's gift of light and love, his son Jesus. Here is one idea to help connect a visual symbol to the message of the season....

The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays which depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle which symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. We see the evergreen tree as a reminder also of God's everlasting love for us.


According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and remains in place until the solemnity of Epiphany. Whether the tree is in a home or in the church we like the tradition of a tree blessing after the tree is decorated and before the tree is illuminated. Here are two suggestions:

Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we illumine this tree.
May the light and cheer it gives
be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.
May all who delight in this tree
come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

God of all creation,

we thank you for this tree,

which brings beauty

and memories

and the promise of life to our home.

May Your blessings be upon all that gather

Around this tree,

And who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.

We wait for the coming of Christ,

the days of everlasting justice and peace.

You are our God, living and loving,

forever and ever.

Amen

About the pictured stole. This limited edition is a reminder of the folktale story of The Three Trees. At Carrot Top Studio we enjoy creating uniquely themed stoles that help celebrate the church year calendar and draw us closer to God in worship through visual images. 'The Three Trees' stole has sold out but you may go here to see our current collection of ministry overlay stoles and deacon stoles.

Advent: The Light

This Advent stole is seen in full here.

Advent traditions vary but the reasons remain the same: to prepare our hearts for welcoming God's gift of light and love, his son Jesus. Here is one idea to help connect a visual symbol to the message of the season....

This year I seem to be very drawn to scriptural images of light and therefore candles. We use candles in community worship but why not in private worship also? Be still and combine the visual image of the candlelight with a breath prayer for a time of meditatio . Breathing slow and deep as you meditate on a verse of Scripture can be a special way of being restored in his peace.  Breathe in slow and deep as you whisper or think on a Bible phrase and hold your breath…then exhale. Here are some Advent suggestions:

• To model Mary's prayer- “Let it be to me… according to your word” (Luke 1:38)
• Remember the reason for the season- “Jesus, my One Thing… nothing else” (based on Psalm 27:4)
• For when you get caught up in the frenzy of the season- “Peace… Be still”  (Mark 4:39)

On the subject matter of light and candles I'd love to also share this title with you written by a dear friend. Dave pastors in an urban Pittsburgh neighborhood. I Will Hold My Candle is a wonderful book that is a culmination of Christmas Eve stories Pastor Dave has shared in worship over the years. I am finding the stories enjoyable for all ages and each contains a lesson or message that can be applied to your own life no matter what your life circumstances are. Shhhhh......it's my gift of the season for everyone from the letter carrier to my mother in law's caregiver to my mom. It can be purchased on Amazon here and Lulu here.

What is your book recommendation for the season? Have you published your writings? Tell us about your recommendations and work because we'd love to read what you've written! 

Advent: The Crib

Advent traditions vary but the reasons remain the same: to prepare our hearts for welcoming God's gift of light and love, his son Jesus. Looking beyond Carrot Top Studio's, pastor and deacon stoles here is one idea to help connect a visual symbol to the message of the season....


At one time the making of the Christmas crib was as important a part of every household activity as that of the church where we still see the annual preparations.Tradition tells us that it was St. Francis of Assisi who created the first crib, in honor not only of the infant savior but also of the animals who had come to worship in the stable. This crib was reportedly made with the wooden materials St. Francis had on hand...reminding us that Christ was born in a place that was "on hand"....he didn't come to the palatial palace that this king was anticipated arriving in. Why not create your own nativity scene without store bought, mass produced elements, using just whatever you have on hand? And think about giving special place to the animals, perhaps including more than the traditional ox and ass. 


Seeing this photo by one of our favorite college chemistry students reminded us that using what you have on hand can work!