On Sunday we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with the Hanging of the Greens. It is good to be reminded of the meaning behind the familiar sights and symbols of the season.
The Angel: The term “angel” is derived from the Greek word angelos which means “messenger.” In texts where an angel appears, the task of the angel is to convey the message or do the will of the God. Since the focus of the text is on the message, the messenger is rarely described in detail.
The angel’s function as messenger or agent of God is acted out in proclamation, revealing the will of God and/or announcing key events. An angel announced to Joseph that Mary would have a child. Mary received a special messenger who told her that she would have a son and name him Jesus because he would save the people from their sins. At the end of time, the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
The Poinsettia: In the early part of the 19th century, an American who served the United States as an ambassado, spent a tour of duty in Mexico. He admired the dramatic beauty of the bright red poinsettia that grew rooftop high and bloomed profusely at Christmas. He was awed when Mexican Christians told him why the bright red poinsettias were a part of their celebration of the birth and life of Christ.
In Mexico, the story goes like this: The Bethlehem star shone over the manger where Jesus was born. Its light so bright the earth responded, reflecting that starlight, receiving that starlight, and mirroring it in a beautiful flower. Star shaped, radiant shaped, pure white petals, golden star center. It was always the Flower of the Holy Night.
It grew on earth as a creation to glorify and commemorate that Holy Night. “For the stars shout forth the glory of God.” On the tragic day when Jesus died on the cross, the blossoms changed. Pure white petals became the color of blood to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. The poinsettia reminds us of the Holy Night which points to Good Friday.
The Star: Probably the most intriguing of all the stars mentioned in Scripture is the star of Bethlehem. Scripture does not name the star. It is one of many miracles that attest to the power of our God and is similar to the pillar of fire used to demonstrate God’s presence and might to the children of Israel as they made their way to the land of Canaan.
In the final book of the Bible the Lord Jesus is called “the bright and morning star.” The star we have is a six-pointed star, commonly called the star of David. God promised David that his throne should stand forever. In Jesus Christ, God fulfills this promise.
Blessings, Rebecca
