Beach Hut 24

We finally reached Christmas Eve and the end of our Advent pilgrimage with a spectacular 'high concept' installation courtesy of Jimmy Cauty, local artist, ex-KLF member and creator of ambient music.

The concept was that hut 234 contained the light of God in all it's awesomeness and holy majesty. Because this light is so blinding and amazing the hut doors could only be open a little, sending a beam of light across the seafront and out to sea.

Halfway through our hour together we listened to these words from John chapter 1:

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Everyone was given glowsticks and we then broke these to create light and as a way of a acknowledging that Jesus, the light of the world, was born on that first Christmas.

The light made the hut very easy to find and hundreds of people turned up to celebrate Christmas Eve with us. Even though we had double the amount of mulled wine and mince pies we still ran out halfway through and reckon that over 300 people visited us during the event.

People kept asking if more was going to happen or if we were going to sing something together and there was a great air of expectation about the whole evening. This is what Advent is all about - hopeful waiting for God to act, though we never know exactly what that action will be.

Thanks to all those who took part in the Beach Hut Advent Calendar this year and we pray that God's light will shine upon you this Christmas.