Congregational Church Sponsors Spiral Walk
This Advent season, North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC) will celebrate the connection between Advent and winter solstice. The NMCC community will be building an outdoor spiral in recognition of an ancient tradition, believed to be Celtic, but found in many forms worldwide and throughout history.
The spiraling represents going inward during the darkest days of the year and going within to kindle your own inner light. In the Christian tradition the return of light after the Solstice is symbolic of the hope of Christ. Or it can serve as a journey inward towards the light of the coming Christ.
Whether one chooses to use the Winter Spiral solely to celebrate Solstice, as a journey exercise similar to the Labyrinth, or to mark the coming weeks until Christmas is a very personal choice. The only important thing is to work with the spiral form as a creative opportunity to express your own inner Divine.
We invite one and all to visit the NMCC Advent Spiral at any time during Advent. In particular, we are excited to announce multiple Advent Spiral celebrations. On Thursday, Dec. 21, we will gather for our annual Longest Night Service at 6 p.m., where, on this winter solstice night, we hold space for experiencing sadness, grief, or loneliness in this holiday season. At the conclusion of the indoor “Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” service, participants are invited to continue outdoors to the Winter Spiral for a candlelight solstice celebration and walking meditation. Enjoy hot cider, cookies, and fellowship afterward.
Celebrate the New Year – Winter Spiral Ceremony – Monday, Dec. 31. Join us for a celebratory community Spiral walk at 4:30 p.m. as we usher in the New Year. Hot cider and light refreshments will be served. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to join in. All are welcome. North Madison Congregational Church, Church at the Circle, is an open and affirming congregation, 1271 Durham Road, Madison https://northmadisoncc.org/advent or call 203-421-3241.