
Wed, Nov 24
|Saint Aelred Catholic Church
Greening of the Church for Advent
This custom comes from Anglo-Saxton times when ever green garlands, wreaths, and candles are put out in parishes and homes during the cold, dark wintry days to remind the faithful that life survives the darkness of the shortened winter day and a reminder to stay vigil during Advent.


Time & Location
Nov 24, 2021, 12:00 PM – 6:44 PM
Saint Aelred Catholic Church, 4951 Macon Hwy, Bishop, GA 30621, USA
About the event
The "Greening of the Church" is the baptism of the Anglo-Saxon custom of bringing in evergreen cuts and sprucing up one's home during the cold, dark days of winter in the far North. (The original way of fighting off S.A.D., seasonal affective disorder!). Advent thus also has a "dark, haunting" feeling both in Scriptures and musical style which one can hear. The "Greening" was moved to parishes as well as came to signify the eternal Christ, who, like evergreens, does not die but remains green and lively. The "Greening" is now an easy way to identify it is Advent and that a parish is preparing for the Coming of Christ, both in his First & Second "Advents" (Comings). The Advent Wreath crowns the greening process and serves as a focal point for meditation during the season. Wreaths & Garlands are traditionally thus related to Advent, not Christmas proper! The lights adorn the home once The Light enters the world on The Christmas Vigil. Thus many used to not bring a Christmas Tree inside their home until Christmas Eve, lit with candles.