Day 25

This one is from Adam. With added suggestions from Clapton Park United Reformed as to what Christmas means to them. He says...

"I suppose that, when I decided to make a star, I didn't really have any idea of what I was going to do. So I went home, and I thought 'Wouldn't it be nice to do something to represent not just my perception of Christmas, but many peoples'?'. That was how the idea of having different people write onto I t their word that Christmas meant to them came into being, but I still wasn't sure how to do it. That idea only came later, when I remembered an Art project from Year 5 in which we'd drawn bright colours onto a piece of paper, painted over it in black and then scraped lines out to create colourful silhouettes. Not being much of an artist myself, I had no idea how to accomplish that on canvas! But my friend Sorcha, a very talented artist, helped me loads, and eventually we had it finished and took it around school and my Church to find different people's words for what Christmas meant to them. With a final polishing - or rather, hairspraying - by Rachel, it was there!'

We hope you've enjoyed another year of Advent stars. If you want to get involved next year email us on adventadventurers@gmail.com. 

Day 24

Today's is from Denise:

This year’s stars are for the past, present and future, and for integrity, hope and action.

And/or if you want ti tead more about it please see my blog post about it:

https://actbelievechange.wordpress.com/2015/12/19/stars-2/

Day 23

Lost and Found:

So, here’s an advent star for when the sky clears and it’s an inky blackness.

Lost in space, without a prayer, courage fades; the campaign fails, the cause has gone. When hope is lost and you’re uncertain where to go.

Christmas recalls an improbable story of astrologers guided to a Palestinian baby in a country under military occupation. For those of faith, the story finds God in solidarity with humanity, in a stable, sharing the view with farmyard animals, and a teenage mum. It’s a great tale. Amongst many things, the legacy is a movement of all kinds of people living for justice, mercy and peace.

Another story last week, this time of east Londoners travelling to Calais. Taking food and clothing to refugees and asylum seekers searching for sanctuary on European soil, many from countries battered and bombed. And those bearing gifts return speaking of extraordinary welcome, and astonishing hospitality. Sitting with lives that un-expectantly burn bright, under a makeshift tarpaulin in the rain.

So, here’s to moments shared, that challenge and illuminate in wilderness days. To flickers of grace and mercy extended to each other when we least expect it. To flames of solidarity with the refugee and those on the margins, a commitment to justice and right living that take us beyond charity. Here’s to some modest visions and great adventures this week. You never know where it might lead.

Day 22

This one comes from Paula. Looking rather lovely in Belli Fuori. 

Day 21

This one is from Millie.

Day 20

Today's is from Eleanor.

Day 19

A lonely star in an inky sky. 

A sign post parked in space.

Old light on a spectral journey 

starting before the comfort of our calendar 

Glistening and ornamental?

Eastern even oriental.

Guiding

Orientating

pointing to the East 

to Easter?

Thank you Neil for this one!