Hanging of the Greens: A Celebration of Advent and Cultures Around the World
As the first Sunday of Advent approaches, the Sanctuary at First Baptist Moncton will come alive with greenery, candles, ribbons, and joyful song.
Join us for our Hanging of the Greens Service on Sunday, November 30th at 6:30 p.m. — a beloved, family-friendly tradition that brings together worship, culture, and community.
A Family Tradition Rooted in Faith
Hanging of the Greens is a special time when our church family gathers to prepare the Sanctuary for the Advent season. Together, we decorate the church with holly, wreaths, candles, and symbols of hope that remind us of Christ’s coming.
The service features music from our handbell choirs, praise band, children’s group, and choir, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages. Each decoration placed carries meaning — every ribbon, candle, and evergreen branch points to the story of Jesus’ birth and the eternal hope He brings.
Celebrating Cultures and Customs from Around the World
What makes this service especially beautiful is how it reflects our growing international church family. Over the years, members from Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Congo, India, and Korea have shared their Christmas customs — unique ways of expressing the same love and hope found in Christ.
This year, we once again celebrate that unity in diversity: many nations, one Savior. No matter where you were born or what traditions you bring, we gather as one family to worship Jesus — our Lord, our Savior, our Messiah.
A Message of Hope for the Advent Season
In his opening reflection, Pastor Richard Jackson reminds us why we celebrate this season:
“Our hope is that as you continue to journey with us through Advent, the Christ Child who was born in a stable 2,000 years ago will be born anew in our hearts this season.”
He continued, offering a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving and praise:
“Lord Jesus, we thank you for this wondrous time of year as we remember You taking on human flesh, dwelling among us, and being born into this world so that we might be born into the kingdom of God. We thank You, we praise You, and we adore You. Amen.”
Preparing Our Hearts for Advent
As Laura Selig shared during last year’s service, Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas — it’s a time of reflection, hope, and preparation:
“Advent makes known the revelation of God’s love as expressed in Christ’s birth, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection. It asks each of us to make room for Christ the King — in our hearts, in our lives, and in our homes.”
Her reminder beautifully captures the meaning behind Hanging of the Greens — that in decorating the church, we also prepare our hearts to receive Him again.
Join Us
Everyone is welcome to be part of this meaningful evening!
Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us in the Sanctuary as we celebrate the beginning of Advent together.
🕯️ When: Sunday, November 30th, 6:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Sanctuary, First Baptist Moncton
🎶 Featuring: Handbell choirs, praise band, children’s group, and choir
Let’s begin this Advent season in worship, gratitude, and joyful anticipation — as we prepare room for Christ, our King.
A Spirit of Giving
As we celebrate together, we invite you to bring a donation for the food bank or winter socks and gloves for our clothing depot.
Your contributions will help share the warmth and generosity of the season with those in need.
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