- April 26, 2024
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Leonard Wood and the Jackson family sing "I Believe." Photo by Paige Wilson
Senior Pastor Rev. Kevin Lauter and his wife, Ann Lauter, speak to the congregation. Photo by Paige Wilson
A Nativity scene is displayed on stage. Photo by Paige Wilson
Marlyn Tangney sings "Arbolito de Navidad." Photo by Paige Wilson
The sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Palm Coast was lit with Christmas decor. Photo by Paige Wilson
The First Baptist Church Choir sings Christmas songs. Photo by Paige Wilson
A child hangs up an ornament during the reading of "The Chrismons." Photo by Paige Wilson
Derrick and Maurie Johnson read about the meaning of Christmas candles and the Advent wreath. Photo by Paige Wilson
Audience members sing during worship. Photo by Paige Wilson
Annabel Baker plays "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" on the violin. Photo by Paige Wilson
The sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Palm Coast was lit with Christmas decor. Photo by Paige Wilson
Phyllis Fuller sings "Be Lifted High." Photo by Paige Wilson
Christmas decor creates a glow in the church as audience members sing during worship. Photo by Paige Wilson
Associate Pastor Rev. Aaron Hoogerwerf tells about the meaning behind the Hanging of the Greens service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Green wreaths and bright red poinsettias filled First Baptist Church of Palm Coast for its Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, Nov. 26.
During the service, church leaders and families read the history behind many of the traditions on display in the sanctuary. The Advent wreath symbolizes the four weeks of advent before Christmas, where one candle is lit each week, as "advent" is Latin for "prepare a way." The tree was trimmed with select ornaments like a lamb and an angel. The history of evergreens in the Christian faith tells of the everlasting life God offers through salvation.
"My heart is that while we're celebrating the season, we don't forget why we're doing it," Associate Pastor Aaron Hoogerwerf said to a crowd of 195 churchgoers.
Senior Pastor Rev. Kevin Lautar also emphasized the importance of the Hanging of the Greens service to remind people of the symbolism behind Christmas decorations and the true meaning of Christmas.
A choir and several soloists sang several traditional worship songs for the Christmas season, as well as a few lesser-known ones.
