The Art of Advent: An Adventure

 

Oxford Postcard Mural

The Third week of Advent has moved very swiftly.  The Third Sunday of Advent is often referred to as Joy Sunday.  In many churches, a pink candle is illuminated as part of the growing light in Advent.

What a joy it has been this week traveling around Oxford.  It seems that each time I head downtown, I discover something new!  This mural isn't the easiest to find in Oxford.  It is called a postcard mural; each letter contains something special or significant to the town.  My favorite letter is the "R".  It is said to be a painting of Princess Hoka.  More about her below.

Gnome Homes

Around the Oxford Square, I discovered some cute little vignettes!  I didn't have time to discover all of them, but what JOY to see that someone brought a little Christmas Cheer to the Square.  As I left downtown, I did a little reflecting on these quaint Gnome Homes.  It made me think of Las Posadas, a celebration to count down the days until Christmas.

You can read more about Las Posadas here:

https://www.womansday.com/life/a46096313/las-posadas-traditions/

There are still many around the world who are searching for a home.  We must not forget to pray.

Princess Hoka Mural

In the past few months, I have visited the Mural of Princess Hoka many times.  It is in a bit of an odd spot, but very worth the time to find it.  Princess Hoka, as I have been told, was a Chickasaw woman who owned the land that became Oxford.  This mural captures my imagination!  It is exquisite.  The are aspects of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, that I see when I view this work of art.  As I learn more and more about the Oxford/Lafayette County area, I return to this image again and again!

Here is a link to learn more:

https://thedmonline.com/hokas-first-appearance-in-oxford/

Quilted art

A recent trip to the Lafayette County and Oxford Library was also great JOY.  Small quilt pieces were on display by local quilters.  Again it made me consider all those who wander this time of the year...it is cold.  A quilt helps to keep folks warm, but it is art in itself.  My eyes feasted with delight.  As an amateur quilter, I felt inspired to keep trying 

There is also plenty of whimsy around town!  Oxford is home to the Price Street Pig aka Frances Bacon.  As the seasons change, so does the Price Street Pig.  During football season, his owners provide a real photo op!  Of course, Frances is an Ole Miss Fan!

Price Street Pig

Round About Ornaments

Oxford is also home to many Round Abouts!  This year, I have noticed decorations in some of these spots around town.  Again, it is the addition of some JOY as we continue to journey toward Christmas.

Perhaps there's no art like Nature's art!  Each year during the late fall one of our blueberry bushes turns a brilliant shade of maroon/red.  I am always stunned by the color and it brings about the image of the Burning Bush.  We have been blessed over the last several years to have bumper crops of fruit!  It's as if it is aflame with abundance.  Great JOY.

Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  How quickly these days move by.  My eyes continue to search for art that depicts an adventure.  The journey is helpful to remember that 1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and 2. To see a work of art is to call forth a future.  That is part of the JOY of this Advent Adventure.

Thanks for joining me!

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