Plainsmen Traditions
This time of year is full of traditions. Families, businesses, and other organizations have traditions. It’s the Salvation Army collecting money by ringing the bell; it’s Christmas parades; it’s Christmas programs and concerts. All of these are wonderful Christmas traditions that bring us memories.
One of the best Christmas traditions one could experience is the “Hanging of the Green” at Frank Phillips College. Each year, the various student groups use their innovative abilities and create ornaments to be hung on the college Christmas tree in the FPC Dillard library. During the annual “Hanging of the Green”, a student representative explains the significance and meaning of the ornament they have created. The ornaments are then placed on the tree along with many ornaments created by students from previous years. Here are some examples.
The nursing department created a large ‘”N” for the tree. The nursing student representative explained that “nursing school is a journey of hard work, compassion, and personal growth…..The challenges we face today will shape us into the leaders of tomorrow’s healthcare.”
This reminded me of another long, arduous journey made over 2,000 years ago. A man named Joseph and his wife, Mary, traveled a long way to be counted in a census. They also had challenges, as Mary was already pregnant before she and Joseph were married. This created a dilemma for Joseph and Mary. But Joseph received a message from God that the child Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that the child was to be named Jesus. To me, the “N” means “the Nativity”.
The baseball team created a gingerbread man ornament. The representative of the baseball team described that the “gingerbread man is made up of all different ingredients, but they all come together to make the gingerbread man.” This made me think that the Christ child was born for all people and that all who accept Him as Savior are part of the family of Christ.
The college’s fantastic food service provider, Fresh Ideas, hung a huge light bulb as an ornament on the tree one year. Of course, this reminded me that Christ is the Light of the World and whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness.
Another ornament hung on the tree is a butterfly. As we know, the butterfly begins as a caterpillar and transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This reminded me of what the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, if any one is in Christ, they are a new creature; the old things are passed away, all things are made new.
The cosmetology department decorated the tree with a manicured hand (you really need to come see it). One might think of Christ reaching out His hand to calm the storm or heal the sick and afflicted.
Although not placed by students, there is a bright shining star at the top of the college’s Christmas tree. The star at the top reminds me that there is no name higher or greater than that of Jesus and that Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star.
Traditions are made to be passed on from generation to generation. The “Hanging of the Green” at Frank Phillips College is a great Christmas tradition and one to be shared with the entire community. And we wouldn’t have this tradition without Christ, who is the reason for the season.
