At this time of year, in Waldorf homes, a Nativity table is set up, and is decorated over the weeks with symbols representing the Creation story. Accordingly, the first week of Advent celebrates the creation of the rocks and minerals, and so, stones, crystals and shells are placed on the table. We dont follow that tradition, but It's a nice idea - especially for young children, as it encourages them to think more deeply about the season.
Here, we live on rock that is the oldest in the world - hard rock that has endured since the beginning of the world. Just up the hill is a stone circle that has stood for over 5,000 years - facing whatever the elements have thrown at it over all those millenia. On stormy nights, when the gales howl around the house - thoughts of this are very reassuring.
I've always loved the idea of God as a rock. The feeling that there is something so strong - so enduring at my back, is more than a comfort. One of my favourite hymns is Rock of Ages - one of those tub thumpers that we rarely seem to sing nowadays, and I guess that is where my image comes from.
Advent and Christmas can be difficult times when we are facing storms in our lives - missing loved ones perhaps, difficult relationships, changed circumstances, or just buckling under the (self-imposed) pressure to make everyone happy. I know that, in the past, I have often said that I would like to hide away until January. But - life keeps moving, and where I am this December is different from last year, and will be different again next year. The one thing that is always there is that big steadfast rock at my back. Knowing that helps me to keep going forward - sometimes quickly, sometimes one step at a time, and sometimes sheltering in that cleft until the worst of the winds die down.
Your post reminded me of this:
ReplyDelete"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Psalm 18:2.
I'm really enjoying these advent posts. Thank you for doing this!
Oh yes Jan - it is such a strong metaphor for God's love as the Father. xx
DeleteI'm really enjoying your Advent posts. It's essential that I'm reminded that Christmas may be over and done with in three weeks, but God will be there always.
ReplyDeleteHello Winam - you are right - the Advent journey is symbolic of the journey we are on with God - and His love is with us all the time xx
DeleteLovely post - so enjoyable to read and I look forward to learning more of the Waldorf tradition to Advent. What happens after the stones?
ReplyDeleteHi Missy, plants are next followed by animals and birds then human figures. The cradle completes the scene on Christmas Eve.
DeleteI will post a link to a lovely blog which explains the Advent Table in more detail.
This is not our tradition, but is a nice idea, and seemed to fit in my image of faith as a rock. Xx
Thank you! Sounds like a fun thing to try this season.
DeleteI've added the link now - it is a beautiful post xx
DeleteWhat a nice post - I love the needle felted pieces. One day I'll have to add that to my list of things to learn.
DeleteLove this post. This time of year makes me very reflective. Especially so this year as while its been the best year its also been the hardest. God is most definitely my Rock! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI love your series and to have a stone circle near you must be very reassuring indeed. I look forward to your link about the Advent Table xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflections. The things that change and the things that endure... it is good to put this often stressed and hurried time of year into a larger perspective, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful photo and a lovely reassuring post. I'm enjoying your Advent series too.
ReplyDeleteJacquie x
This is very beautiful and what I needed to read just now. Thank you
ReplyDeleteYour words are speaking directly to my heart....you are reminding me to slow down and enjoy the days during this very special time of the year.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, it meant a lot to me. In fact, these postings about the Advent are really wonderful, very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Eliane
ReplyDeleteI've been coming and reading here for a while now, watching your seasons come and go and reading such inspiring things.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your advent posts, just perfect for me, i'm experiencing a time of reflection and change as I approach my crone years, turning 50 this year seems to have started something off in me during the past 12 months. Just had to visit Glastonbury for some strange reason and also Stonehege during that time, drawn to it even. you could say. How wonderful you have those stones so close to watch and admire and be near to.
Best wishes x
hello Julie - thank you for such a lovely comment I do appreciate being here . You are heading into an exciting time - I hope you can find the space you need. xx
DeleteThank you for another thoughtful post! Batten down the hatches (and the wheelie bins) and stay snug and safe.
ReplyDeleteBins secure and fire on xx
DeleteWow - thank you all for being such wonderful supporters of this series of posts. I really appreciate you being here xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series, Jacqui, thank you. I particularly love this post on Endurance, and God as a rock. I often think of what you advised me over two years ago when my daughter first fell ill: "just fall back into the arms of Love". Excellent advice! Glad you're all ready for the big storm. x
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