Lighting of Christmon Tree marks 15th anniversary at FBC

The First Baptist Church of Washington will welcome the Christmas season with its annual lighting of the Chrismon Tree on Sunday, November 26, in a special worship service beginning at 7 p.m. It will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the event.

"As we decorate our tree, we are reminded of eternal life symbolized by the beautiful evergreen tree placed in our sanctuary to enhance our spirit of worship during this holy season," said Kay Nelms, decorations coordinator. "The tiny white lights are to remind us that Christ is the 'Light of the World.'"

Frances K. Spencer originated the Chrismon ornaments, which first appeared on a tree in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Virginia. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first Chrismon tree. "Chrismon" is a combination of two words, CHRISt and MONOgram. The original symbols used only monograms of Christ. Since that time, however, many new symbols have been developed by churches and families around the country.

All of the ornaments tell who He is, what He is like, and still other designs by representation, tell what He did. Chrismons are made of only white and gold. White reflects Christ's purity and perfection and gold refers to the majesty and glory of our Lord. The monograms, symbols and representations that are used, are not new - their basic de-

signs are centuries old, some as old as the Bible itself. They are the heritage of all Christians.

First Baptist's program this year centers around a beautiful narrative told by an aging shepherdess as she remembers the night, saying, "I was just a girl of six when I first met the Lamb of God."

The narrative is intertwined with lovely musical numbers. A plaintive flute solo, "I Wonder As I Wander," by Sarah Peacock precedes the first narration. Vocal soloists for evening are Patricia Burton singing "The Little Road to Bethlehem," and Tom Duggan singing "O What A Beautiful Name." Other familiar songs are "Mary Did You Know?" sung by the youth choir, Praz!; "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by a ladies ensemble; "Hurry, Hurry to Bethlehem!" by a men's ensemble; and "The Friendly Beasts" by a girls ensemble from the childrens choir.

The congregation will have an opportunity to sing several beloved carols. The senior choir will close the narrative with the moving "Glory to the Lamb of Christmas."

The program will conclude with a reverent time of illumination and the singing of ""Joy to the World" as the tree is lighted. Following the program, everyone is invited to a reception in the Mary Callaway Burton Fellowship Hall. A nursery will be provided.

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