As we were reminded by Rosanna during last Sunday morning’s livestream chocolate is often the first idea that the word that Advent generates in the minds of children. No problem with that but I want to encourage each of us to imprint deeper thoughts through this season by designing and making our very own Advent wreath or crown, and by using it alongside a special Advent liturgy every Sunday and perhaps even every day.
Advent is a time of preparation: a time to think about Christ’s coming as a baby to Earth and to be encouraged as He is coming again in glory. When we sit down, read Scripture, light candles and pray we centre ourselves on these joyous facts. We join together while being apart by using the same readings and prayers. We can let all the commercial and secular side of Christmas retreat and put Christ back in the centre of our lives. We may also choose to fast in preparation.
Since we have often managed to share Communion together apart, we can celebrate Advent likewise. To do this you’ll need: A plate, dish, bowl – something round signifying the love of God which has no beginning and no end; 5 candles – 4 for round the edge and a centre Christ candle (there are special colours but tea lights and one big one will be fine). These symbolise the light which Jesus brings into our dark world. Then you’ll need to collect some evergreen leaves or twigs – ivy, bits of Christmas tree, laurel, holly etc. As evergreens these signify the eternal life which Jesus won for us on the cross.
Then it’s time to add something, anything, that’s special to you. That’s because you are special to God! I have made a variety of wreath/crowns using stuff I’ve collected over the years – some red and silver beads and some ivy from the hedge in a local park!
You can see these in the pictures. I do hope you feel inspired to do this as we all work hard in this lockdown year to be together apart.
So this coming Sunday please have everything ready to start making your wreath/crown, that way we can begin our walk through Advent together.
Thank you
Anne