On Sunday, Dec. 1, the first Sunday in Advent, First Congregational Church of Wiscasset will celebrate the hanging of the greens, a tradition of early civilizations who celebrated the winter solstice with decorations of greens.

In recent years, First Congo has continued the bygone ceremony by hanging of the greens on the first Sunday in Advent fashioned in the shape of a star representing the Star of Bethlehem, a heart symbolizing God’s love, the cross representing the crucifixion and the circle wreath symbolizing God’s love.

On all Sundays of Advent and on Christmas Eve, a candle will be lit in the Advent wreath standing for, in order of each Sunday’s theme, Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and on Christmas Eve the center Christ candle.

The title of Rev. David Myers’s sermon for the 10 a.m. service is “Preparing,” a message on how to prepare for Christ’s coming. Holy Communion will be celebrated, and all are welcome to partake.

The public is invited to share in all Advent season celebrations.  

First Congregational Church of Wiscasset is on the town common at 28 High St. All services are open to the public. For more information, contact the church at 882-7544 or fccw@myfairpoint.net