Traditionally, Christians look at the example of Mary the mother of Jesus in her willingness to be open to God and carry the risk of a pregnancy conceived outside of marriage – a cultural and religious taboo for her people and time. Mary probably came from a poor family and was barely into her teens at the time of her betrothal to Joseph. Becoming pregnant out of wedlock would have made her a social outcast and without Joseph’s decision to go through with the marriage she risked being stoned to death or banished from her community, with slavery or prostitution becoming the most likely options for survival. Soon after the birth of her child she became a refugee, fleeing from persecution and an army bent on the genocide of children in the area. Mary’s life does not match the romantic image created of the period by Renaissance art; in fact it still has much to say to those who face uncertainty, marginalisation and exclusion in our modern times. Mary is seen to endure and reflect on the deeper meaning of all she lived through, finding hope, peace, love and joy in the midst of adversity.

Advent begins on Sunday 27th November and ends on Thursday 22nd December 2011.

Advent at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary and the Moot Community

To help us rediscover the spiritual depth of Advent and Christmas, we offer a number of activities and resources to enable personal reflection on the meaning beyond the materialism of the season.  This will include:

1. Art With Reflections on Living Beyond Fear.
The images and art work selected have been produced by a number of different artists including Michael L Radcliffe, a member of the Moot Community.  These images stand in their own right but will also be juxtaposed with gospel texts recording the four angelic visitations preceding and accompanying the birth of Christ. Each of these visitations signify a collision of worlds, a ‘breaking in’ of another reality and in each encounter the first words are ‘do not be afraid…’ Each week of Advent we will add another painting and image alongside the gospel text and explanation of the significance of these words for the individuals to whom they were addressed and also for ourselves.  Each station will have the opportunity for a prayerful response, building up to four stations.

2. Short Lunchtime Reflections on Advent.
On three Wednesday lunchtimes – 30th Nov, 7th and 14th December from 1.10 – 1.30 – we will lead a guided reflection on the art and texts for that week.

3. Weekly Spiritual Devotions.
In this booklet there is weekly content for your own personal spiritual reflections which continue the theme of ‘living beyond fear’ with online extracts from Simon Walker’s book ‘The Undefended life’.  If you are interested in purchasing this book, (which we highly recommend), it is on sale in the bookshop area of the Church of St Mary Aldermary.

4. Mini Moot Reflective activities.
For those involved in the mini-moot gatherings of the Moot Community, there are some additional extracts from Simon’s book and suggested activities and reflections for us to share together what it means for each us to live beyond fear.

5. Carol Services at St Mary Aldermary.
For those who see this season as an opportunity to pilgrimage, these points of reflection can be highlighted by participating in some of the Christian worship services we are holding for this time of year.  Our Official Advent Candlight Service is on Tues 13th December beginning with a reception at 6.30pm, and our Moot Carol Service on Sunday 18th at 3.30pm. For those wanting something a little more light hearted why not come to our Beer and Carols Night in Ye Olde Watling Pub on Dec 7th 6.30 pm