Not Before: An Advent Labyrinth you can do at home

Today I offered our Circuit a labyrinth. I think it was their first experience of one. 26 people passed through it in ten and a bit hours. It was great for me to sit there for ten and a bit hours and be still, listen for God and talk to people about the journey and what they had experienced.

I thought I would repeat the labyrinth "on line" so if you need some space between now and Christmas Day, sit at your computer and do this slowly. It might help you enjoy the wonder of incarnation more to do some serious stillness in these few days ahead. I tire of people, especially ministers, who tell me how busy they are in these weeks, and who seem to have lost all the joy and wonder of the season. If we can't celebrate what God is doing in this season, I don't think we have much hope, really.

So, as I said to one of our preachers who came in tonight and said she had never done one of these before, "enjoy!"

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There are 11 "stations" in this labyrinth and each one has something to think about and an image to look at.

Station 1:

The journey, the walk to Christmas begins here. Arise, shine, your light has come.

The longest journey starts with a single step. How do you feel as you set out? What star are you following? Do you know where it will lead?

Stop here and think about journeys you will make at Christmas and during 2014.

Station 2:

The journey to God involves angels and proclamation. How did Mary feel when an angel confronted her? What does an angel look like – note the painted toe nails in this picture!

As God comes, are you open enough to listen for angels? And are you prepared to respond to their song?

Station 3:

Christmas is often done to a script! Remember how God’s ancient people thought the advent of God would come in a certain way, a certain type of king would come. Our Early Birds service at St Helens last month thought about Jesus the coming king. Think about how sometimes our expectations can be shattered.

Station 4:

The Christ child was visited by different groups of people, all unexpected. He comes to everyone. The Magi brought him gifts.. What will you give him this Christmas when you have found him? Many will look but not find.

Station 5:

Someone wrote to me in a Christmas card: “Make sure you have some space for yourself.” The hymn says “make a heaven of my manger” Sit here and reflect on Gillian’s wonderful interpretation of the manger scene. Which character in the Christmas narrative are you? What do you need as you arrive here?

Station 6:

The shepherds were the first recipients of Jesus’ presence and they went back praising God for all they had seen and heard. Here are some shepherds and some sheep. Sit here and think about those who care for you and those who need you to care for them at the moment.

Station 7:

The nativity scene is recreated in many ways. This is my favourite interpretation of it from Turvey Abbey. In this season we sing many carols (some of us VERY many!) Sit here and use some hymn books. Reflect on the picture and find some words of carols that describe this scene for you at the moment.

Station 8:

For some people, Christmas is hard and they focus on being alone and miss loved ones no longer with them. This space is to pray for those who suffer at this season.

Station 9:

We live in a climate where people don’t know this story. A survey of children showed that a lot of them thought 25^th December was the birthday of Simon Cowell. We need to tell the story in a way that is understandable. Here is a space for creative juices. Write the Christmas story for today – where would you start?

Station 10:

John Betjeman in “Christmas” marvels that “the maker of the stars and sea became a child on earth for me.” Christmas is soon over. What difference will going through all of this, making this journey do to you?

Station 11:

This story is about God believing in us. The centre of any labyrinth is about finding God close. So here is a last nativity scene. Before you leave today, ask yourself, what do I need to do to keep God at the centre of my life in 2014? What is your deepest wish as you travel from the manger and back into the world?