ADVENT IS A DOOR
An Advent Calendar often has doors to open where we can find treats or a message or an image (or all three).
I made this Advent Calendar (or more strictly, December calendar as there are only 24 doors)
for my children when they were young.
Made from a pattern by Marie-Janine Solvit in 'Magnificent Patchwork',
it was a creative project using recycled fabrics, buttons and ribbons.
I loved its symmetry;
its flexibility;
its joy.
Over the years, hidden behind the doors have been
images retelling our faith story (the Jesse Tree);
decorations for our Christmas tree;
and photographs of our own extended family.
The most salubrious and desired treat was always a sweet confection.
Ignoring the crass commercialisation and proliferation of Advent Calendars,
I have found a rich source of contemplation
in this simple project.
I made this Advent Calendar (or more strictly, December calendar as there are only 24 doors)
for my children when they were young.
Made from a pattern by Marie-Janine Solvit in 'Magnificent Patchwork',
it was a creative project using recycled fabrics, buttons and ribbons.
I loved its symmetry;
its flexibility;
its joy.
Over the years, hidden behind the doors have been
images retelling our faith story (the Jesse Tree);
decorations for our Christmas tree;
and photographs of our own extended family.
The most salubrious and desired treat was always a sweet confection.
Ignoring the crass commercialisation and proliferation of Advent Calendars,
I have found a rich source of contemplation
in this simple project.
I reflected on the infinite variety of doors.
Some solid, offering much resistance and protection.
Some transparent - I can see through to the other side.
Some have a slot for letters: an invitation to communicate.
Others are ornately engraved or embossed: a contemplation in their own right.
Do I persist when I approach a difficult time in my relationship with God?
Do I only ask questions for which I already know the answers?
Is my communication with God two-way?
Am I easily distracted by different or novel ways to interact with the Divine?
How do I approach the season of Advent?
Some solid, offering much resistance and protection.
Some transparent - I can see through to the other side.
Some have a slot for letters: an invitation to communicate.
Others are ornately engraved or embossed: a contemplation in their own right.
Do I persist when I approach a difficult time in my relationship with God?
Do I only ask questions for which I already know the answers?
Is my communication with God two-way?
Am I easily distracted by different or novel ways to interact with the Divine?
How do I approach the season of Advent?
I used a variety of buttons on my Advent Calendar.
There seem to be many ways to alert occupants on the other side of a door.
Consider buzzers, bells, knockers, inter-coms, handles.
Each one signals to the occupants that we are present and waiting.
Much like the rituals we have as we ready ourselves for prayer:
a Sign of the Cross;
water;
candles;
incense;
chimes and bells;
music.
What rituals do I keep during Advent?
Do I know why I keep these rituals?
There seem to be many ways to alert occupants on the other side of a door.
Consider buzzers, bells, knockers, inter-coms, handles.
Each one signals to the occupants that we are present and waiting.
Much like the rituals we have as we ready ourselves for prayer:
a Sign of the Cross;
water;
candles;
incense;
chimes and bells;
music.
What rituals do I keep during Advent?
Do I know why I keep these rituals?
It is a vulnerable position, standing in front of a door, waiting for a response.
We offer ourselves as we are -
we cannot know if we will be accepted or rejected.
Will the door swing outwards and push us off balance,
or inwards with a gesture of welcome?
How do I offer myself in prayer:
ready, complete, confident,
or with an open heart, open mind, open hands?
How do I view Advent;
a season that puts me out of kilter
or a season that is a gesture of welcome?
We offer ourselves as we are -
we cannot know if we will be accepted or rejected.
Will the door swing outwards and push us off balance,
or inwards with a gesture of welcome?
How do I offer myself in prayer:
ready, complete, confident,
or with an open heart, open mind, open hands?
How do I view Advent;
a season that puts me out of kilter
or a season that is a gesture of welcome?
Is crossing the threshold
a homecoming;
a matter of business;
a duty;
a withdrawal from community;
an opportunity to convince or proselytise?
How do I honour the space on the other side:
removal of shoes;
a handshake or kiss;
removal of outer garments and hats;
offering of a gift;
a religious action, such a reciting the Shema, or using holy water?
How do I honour the threshold experience that Advent offers?
a homecoming;
a matter of business;
a duty;
a withdrawal from community;
an opportunity to convince or proselytise?
How do I honour the space on the other side:
removal of shoes;
a handshake or kiss;
removal of outer garments and hats;
offering of a gift;
a religious action, such a reciting the Shema, or using holy water?
How do I honour the threshold experience that Advent offers?
A door is an invitation -
to pause;
to cross a threshold;
to indicate our readiness to relate.
A door offers possibility;
sanctuary;
hope;
a safe haven.
Our knocking indicates our intent, our desire,
to enter into another space,
the company of another.
Advent is a door.
How will we respond?
to pause;
to cross a threshold;
to indicate our readiness to relate.
A door offers possibility;
sanctuary;
hope;
a safe haven.
Our knocking indicates our intent, our desire,
to enter into another space,
the company of another.
Advent is a door.
How will we respond?
