The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Christmas excitement has been in the air at Trinity Baptist Church of Orange. Sunday, Nov. 30^, the church started their celebration of the Christmas season with “The Hanging of the Greens”. The service included several members reading scripture and explaining why the traditional flowers and greenery are used at Christmas.

During the service the children decorated the Christmas Tree at the altar with Ancient Christian Symbols known as Chrismons. The symbols represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts. Chrismons are made with gold decorations of beads, ribbon and glitter. The Chrismons were handmade by members of the church. Ayden Price will explain the meaning of each Chrismon as the children hang them on the tree.

Each Sunday during the Christmas season the church celebrates the Lighting of the Advent Candle with different church families participating with a scripture reading and prayer. Advent begins four weeks before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the period of anticipation before Christmas. No, it’s not the presents that are being anticipated, but the biggest gift ever given to the world – the birth of Jesus.

On Nov. 30, the Candle of Hope was lit by Evita Kemmer; Dec. 7^, Kent and Patricia Jowell will light the Candle of Preparation; Dec. 14^, Kay Collier and granddaughter, Camryn Collier will light the Candle of Joy. On Dec. 21, during the 11:00 am church service, the Candle of Love will be lit by Jeff and Cindy Elliott; Dec. 21, during the 6:00 pm Candle Light Service, Gary and Magen Price and family will light the Christ Candle. The Christ Candle reminds us that Jesus Christ should always be the center of our lives and is the true meaning of Christmas.

Under the direction of Dan Cruse the TBC Choir will present special themed Christmas music each Sunday and during the Candle Light Service.

The Candlelight Christmas Service will be held Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited to come celebrate the birth of Christ during the special service. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service. Trinity Baptist Church is located at 1819 N. 16^th Street in Orange.