Help Wanted: Ideas, Creativity, Support and Enthusiasm: The 'December Lights' Doors Project
I'd like to help start a tradition in Bend, Oregon, next year or the year following. In parts of Europe there is a tradition that helps make the celebrations of December even more community-based. The decoration and progressive lighting of doors and windows in Hanukkah, Solstice and Christian Advent themes can be a lovely celebration of the coming of Light. There could be 37 homes/businesses/places of worship corresponding to December 1 through Jan. 6 (Epiphany Day). Each home that participates also hosts an Open House on the evening of their lighting, inviting friends, neighbors, strangers and the community at large to their home. The event builds through the season, so that on Ephiphany Day--January 6th, all 37 homes are lit.
There will be a walking or touring guide that is published that helps those who want to participate in all or part of the celebration. Artists, churches, schools, some businesses might want to participate. Envisioning by the 2nd year more than 37 homes/businesses wanting to participate, and beginning a winning lottery--with entry fees that can then be donated to a local charity.
Here's some helpful sites of European Advent Windows:
http://domain877260.sites.fasthosts.com/advent05/
http://domain877260.sites.fasthosts.com/advent05/
I'd really like to adapt and adopt this lovely European tradition in all of its loveliness into our culture. If you'd like to join me in trying to organize such a festival in Bend or dialogue with me about starting something like it in your community, email me at beth@virtualteahouse.com
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Jan Richardson is a writer, artist, liturgist. She has a cool website: http://www.janrichardson.com/
Jan's The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas
Archives http://theadventdoor.com/2007/12/
December 25th image:
Sarah Wimperis, Muddy Red Shoes website
Practicing Advent Until We Get It Right, Nancy Forest-Flier
Meanwhile, merry Christmas to you all!
Beth, VTH Host
The Virtual Tea House website became 'word-ripe' when, over a cup of jasmine green, I realized that the web has an expanding part to play in the communal aspects of spiritual growth.
One of my favorite hats, among several is: initiated firekeeper in the Sacred Fire Community. Hosting a monthly community fire circle, I'm being taught that the simple act of sitting around a fire with the intent of holding open-hearted space makes for some soulful community!
With a master's degree in religion, my career spans 20 years in end of life care and I currently work in the field of child abuse intervention and advocacy.
Here in beautiful Central Oregon, my spiritual homes of the high desert and the mountains are both in proximity. And for good measure, four hours away is Grandmother Ocean and the stunning Oregon Coast.
I'm making decent progress on the goal set by my mother early on: she taught us that the goal of humanity should be to become ever-more eccentric, i.e. more fully human.
Entering the 'forest-dweller' phase of life, I am honored to host the Virtual Tea House for all who wish to explore how our lives are enriched and made new a thousand times each day by the spirituality we embody. Exploring this engagement together is the purpose of the Virtual Tea House.
Welcome! Let's have a cup of virtual tea together and share what brings us joy, what we are being taught by life, how we are leaning into the Big Questions posed to us each day in sometimes 'distressing disguises'.