Advent Spiral at Memorial Congregational Church

Advent Spiral at Memorial Congregational Church on December 2nd 10am

Once a year, Memorial Congregational Church takes part in a spiritual ceremony that dates back 4500 years.  The Advent Spiral has many interpretations in history, but the common theme is “travelling a journey of spirituality”.   The community is welcome to join in this celebration, held at 10am on December 2nd at MCC opposite the Goodnow Library in Sudbury. 

At MCC, the Advent Spiral is formed by evergreen boughs laid in a spiral on the floor. Various items are placed along the spiral- sea shells, rocks, and flowers.  Each participant is given a candle to carry on the journey to the center of the spiral.  In the middle, an angel lights the traveler’s candle.  Then, the participant places the candle gently down on their way out of the labyrinth. Music from the MCC Choirs accompanies the experience. 

The historical context of the Advent Spiral is a Labyrinth, a non-denominational symbol.  Many cultures and religions write of each person’s journey along a spiritual path.  Traveling into the center of understanding yields light to illuminate travels back out into the world.  The Greeks had labyrinths across their lands as early as 2500-2000 BCE.  The early Christian labyrinths date back to the 4th century.

The Memorial Congregational Church Covenant speaks to a spiritual journey that makes the Advent Spiral particularly appropriate at MCC: “In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of humanity; and as the Lord’s free people we agree to walk together in all God’s ways made known or to be made known to us.”  All are welcome to participate at 10am on December 2nd at 26 Concord Rd, in Sudbury.