Hanging of the Greens slated at Hamilton

` Calvary Baptist Church of Hamilton will present a traditional "Hanging of the Greens" service on Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. in the church auditorium at 805 State Highway 22 in Hamilton.

"This event will be a service of beauty, tradition and symbolism with music of the Christmas season," said Richard Harvey, pastor of the church. "If you've never attended such a program, this will put you in the real spirit of Christmas."

The use of evergreens in churches and homes is one of the most universal features of Christmas. Many early Christians placed them in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered their homes.

The Hanging of the Greens marks the beginning of the celebration of the birth of the Christ child, the advent of Christmas.

Calvary Baptist will utilize poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and evergreen garlands throughout the program, and their significance will be explained.

"Mistletoe symbolizes peace, while the prickly leaves and red berries of the holly are reminders of the thorns and scarlet wounds of Christ," Harvey said. "The evergreen symbolizes life."

Bells and candles also will be part of this special service to add further beauty and symbolism to the sanctuary.

Refreshments will be served after the service.

The public is invited.