The Art of Advent:  An Adventure

John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."  These words seem to be the theme of my life.  This week has had many turns and twists to it.  However, this Advent Adventure is on.

I live in Oxford, MS for those who don't know me.  It is home to the University of Mississippi (aka Ole Miss).  There are also some very special parks in Oxford.  This week, I visited Lamar Park.  You can learn more about the park at this link: https://www.oxfordms.net/lamar-park

Lamar Park is home to some interesting pieces of art.  There is a walking trail.  As I moved around the Park, I thought of Mary and Joseph as they traveled.  What did they see? What did they hear?  It was windy and cold the day I visited Lamar Park.  Advent was very present in my mind. I paused by a piece of artwork titled "I want to See." It moved me; how much we all want to See.  Advent is preparation for Christmas, but also a time for pondering the Second coming.  I want to See.

I want to See

 

Another piece of work found me lingering awhile and perhaps laughing a little too.  It is titled "Big Dreams."  Remembering the dreams of both Mary and Joseph.  And thinking of my own dreams.

Big Dreams

Phoenix

I spent a good deal of time viewing this yellow work titled "Phoenix."  

USA Monument

This statue stopped me in my tracks.  It is called "USA Monument." As I walked around this piece, I was moved.  Take a close look at this one; bombs on the bottom make the letter A, and at the top a knife and fork.  I likely spent a full 10 minutes or more viewing this one as I uttered aloud the word "extraordinary." I had a strong desire to sit with the sculptor of this piece to hear more about this work.

The Mounds in the distance

Continuing on my adventure in the park, I needed a bit of a rest.  As I sat on one of the many park benches, I let my eyes wander over the park.  I discovered the Mounds.  Several mounds are built in the park.  From a distance, I considered our ancestors.  Much of the land around Oxford, MS was inhabited by The Chickasaws, as I am learning.  My first thoughts drifted to Native Americans.  I later learned these Mounds were built for enjoyment.  It is an inviting space for children and others to climb, go sledding when it snows and of course play king of the hill.  As I walked closer to the Mounds, I felt a oneness with the earth.  It was a Holy Moment.

I left Lamar Park with a sense of this dual message of the season of Advent.  It is truly a journey as we wait and watch. Preparations are underway for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Very present to me this year is Jesus' return.  We live in the tension of the already and the not yet. However, leaving the news, being outdoors, feasting my eyes gave credence to this Art of Advent.  For me, it is quite an Adventure.  Thanks for joining me!

The Art of Advent: An Adventure

 A new liturgical year feels like a good time to start anew with my "almost forsaken" blog!  Happy New Year as we often say in the Church on the first Sunday of Advent.

Advent comes from a Latin word meaning "coming."  We await the coming of the infant Jesus; Christmas is a Birthday celebration. But Advent is also a time we ponder Jesus' return.  Advent is a season of expectation, of waiting.

Each year, I set out my little statue of Mary on a Donkey, with Joseph beside her.  Each day I move them around my house in a symbolic way of their journey to Bethlehem.   What an adventure.  One can only imagine their journey! But this year, I need a different experience than my usual Advent practices.  I will continue with prayer and reading. This year, however, I am going on an Adventure with Art.  To be sure, there are many great works of art that tell the Advent stories.  My Adventure is more about the Art in my (home) town.

Being a visual person and a visual learner, art has impacted my life in a multitude of ways.  Discovering the art around my town excites me.  What will I encounter?  What message will I receive?  Each week, I will visit a place nearby, take in the images and I hope to share them in this blog with you.  Journey with me.

And please, share your own Advent Adventure, too.