The E had hints of Egypt in some of the imagery created by Mel but principally stood for Advent Examination. The imagery in the hut included fantastical figures who represented the people of the world looking for ways to meditate on Advent.
Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way.
Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace.
By reflection and prayer,
by reading and meditation,
we can make our hearts a place where
a blessing of peace would desire to abide
and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.
Daily we can make an Advent examination.
Are there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion?
Is there a lingering resentment,
an unforgiven injury living in our hearts?
Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing
or educational achievement?
Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us,
seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners?
Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation?
These and other questions become Advent lights
by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts.
Whilst the rest of the country was lashed with 100 mile an hour winds and threatened by the possibility of some of the worst floods for 60 years, we got off lightly with a sharp rain shower at 5.30 and a stiff breeze throughout the evening.
It was extraordinary to experience this lovely rich, warm retro environment in a hut on Hove seafront and was a great example of the wonderful variety we see from hut to hut during this event.
You can see more of Mel's work here http://www.melwinning.co.uk
The next hut is number 399, also close to Hove Lagoon and will feature local arts and mental health group, Synergy.
